Trying to modernize the nation's electric infrastructure, Sprint (News - Alert) has joined hands with SmartLabs and Proliphix to make the grid smarter.

With Sprint wireless network connectivity, Sprint has announced that the Proliphix IMT-550 Internet Managed Thermostat is now available. While achieving a positive return on investment in just months, this connected thermostat allows small- to medium-sized retail business owners to reduce energy expenses and remotely monitor their storefronts. It supports three external wired sensors, which can sense temperature or dry contact closures from external equipment, the company stated in a press release.

“With more than a dozen years developing communications products in the M2M market, Sprint is dedicated to working with smart energy companies like Proliphix and SmartLabs to bring innovative and sustainable technology to market," said Wayne Ward, vice president-Emerging Solutions Group, Sprint. "Developers have told us they thrive in an open development environment that accelerates their speed to market with simple, unencumbered access to our full complement of network capabilities.”

With embedded Sprint network connectivity, SmartLabs INSTEON will be available in late 2011, Sprint has announced. This plug-n-play system will allow property owners to access and control energy consumption from a Web portal or a Sprint smartphone. With real-time reporting and alerts, INSTEON-compatible products enable energy management, demand response and scheduled load-shedding. Property owners can schedule electrical devices to be turned on or off based on time of day, occupancy, weather conditions or ambient light levels, the company has stated.

Recently, the company announced that through its 4G network, connectivity and its ability to connect, Sprint is working with providers and solution engineers to understand what is fast becoming a “very dynamic and mobile healthcare delivery system of the future. In today’s mobile healthcare world, patients can check their blood pressure, oxygen levels, weight, and other vitals at home every day with a healthcare kit.

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