Grid Net has teamed up with Sprint to utilize its 4G network for the use of its Smart Grid and Smart Home software platforms. This is a precedent for the industry, and takes advantage of Sprint’s promotion around the 4G network in the U.S. market.

The deal brings new meter-monitoring options to ease green-tech implementation, as its management tools are centralized, fast and secure. With this team-up, sprint will use embedded WiMAX connectivity into Grid Net’s Smart Meters and Smart Grid Routers.Addressing demand for load management, smart meters, and distribution automation, Grid Net provides a full-featured approach towards energy efficiency. Looking to growing networks for future improvements is a leap Grid Net seems anxious to take.

“This collaboration with Grid Net underscores our commitment to developing the smart grid,” said Wayne Ward, vice president of the Emerging Solutions Group, Sprint. “Sprint offers cost effective and flexible IP network solutions for utilities and application developers in support of advanced meter reading, as well as the scalability of 4G network bandwidth and QoS capabilities, to meet today’s utilities needs and tomorrow’s demands. Sprint invests in technologies and processes that enable developers like Grid Net to have access to important capabilities unique to our network, such as location and presence, to enrich their applications.”

While the partnership is initially all about cost-cutting and effecient execution, the use of the 4G network comes with its own set of concerns. It’s currently limited to Sprint in the U.S., and is one of many recent initiatives to bring the wireless provider back into the trend mix. Mark “Rizzn” Hopkins shares his thoughts;

“If Sprint (and by proxy, ClearWire), decide to start metering and charging for usage on their 4G networks, it could be the deathknell for the upstarts. One of their biggest marketplace advantages is that when they sell unlimited service, it’s true, un-metered unlimited (as opposed to nearly all competitors in wireless broadband, who sell “unlimited” with usage caps).”

It’s something Sprint and companies will need to consider as they move forward with the use of the 4G network. With net neutrality facing corporate compromise and wireless providers seemingly anxious to monetize data in various forms, it may one day become a matter for the courts to handle as well. In other news, the FCC has taken to the airwaves for consideration of new WiFi options.