Cable&Wireless Worldwide, the U.K.-based telecom service provider, and Silver Spring Networks, a provider of network infrastructure solutions, announced their collaboration to accelerate the proliferation of smart grid and smart metering in the U.K.

The agreement enables the companies to offer smart grid networking solution for smart grid projects across the U.K. Silver Spring's secure IPv6-based Radio Frequency network infrastructure, software, and services will be leveraged for these projects.

C&W Worldwide will utilize its secure network and experience in offering complex, mission-critical communications networks, managed services and managed data center services to utility companies, company officials said.

“This collaboration with Silver Spring will enable energy suppliers, and the UK as a whole, to extract value from the intelligence embedded in the smart grid as additional applications are brought on-line,” said Matt Key, managing director of Enterprise at C&W Worldwide, in a statement. “It will also help DNOs to serve their regulatory mandates and to extend the life of their existing infrastructure.”

The collaboration will enable Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to embed intelligence deep into the electricity distribution network that will provide unprecedented visibility and control.  It will help address integration of renewable energy onto the electricity grid and manage the associated challenges of power quality management and load balancing.  

“As the UK Government has made clear, smart grids and smart meters will be instrumental in achieving energy policy objectives. These programs will affect every energy consumer: it's important to get this right the first time,” said Eric Dresselhuys, EVP of Silver Spring. “Their deep knowledge and long-standing commitment to the utility industry are strongly aligned with our mission to bring IP networking into the UK smart grid.”

Recently, Cable&Wireless Worldwide announced that it enhanced its Managed Video Conferencing (MVC) suite, allowing for video calls on all sorts of devices including cell phones.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.