Sprint’s Growing M2M Partner Ecosystem Expands Options for Businesses and Consumers

Sprint further expands its M2M (machine-to-machine) ecosystem with expanded solution partner relationships that bring specialized expertise in connected transportation, fixed and portable solutions, SmartGrid and utilities, and health care.

Sprint’s M2M partner network comprises a wide range of M2M knowledge and capabilities. This extensive and unique community of partners anchors the unified Sprint Open-Network-Execution (ONE) approach to M2M development and support.

ORLANDO, Fla. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) continues to build on the breadth and depth of its machine-to-machine (M2M) leadership with the announcement today of expanded M2M solutions provided by 14 Sprint partners. These partner offerings bring additional specialized capabilities to Sprint’s broad-based M2M portfolio, including the fast-growing segments of connected transportation, fixed and portable solutions, SmartGrid and utilities, and health care.

M2M solutions wirelessly connect a rapidly proliferating variety of electronic devices to enable increased operational efficiencies for business, as well as innovative new consumer and commercial services. Those devices are as varied as digital billboards, medical equipment, cameras, video surveillance and security solutions, remote sensors, utility meters, appliances and routers.

Enabled by Sprint’s dependable network assets, this M2M connectivity is taking companies beyond traditional “business-to-business” and “business-to- consumer” categories into a world of burgeoning “business-to-business-to-consumer” models. As a result, innovative companies across many industry sectors are using M2M solutions from Sprint and its partners to spearhead advances that simultaneously benefit both their businesses and customers. For example, health care professionals use M2M to share medical images and monitor vital signs remotely, which gives their patients faster, more effective care. Trucking companies use M2M to track their fleets more efficiently, which helps ensure on-time deliveries for end customers. Utilities use M2M to manage utility grids, which can help residents consume energy more wisely and cost-effectively. Many kinds of companies use M2M to improve driver performance, which helps reduce accidents and make highways safer for all drivers. And M2M applications often contribute to a greener planet for everyone by reducing emissions and carbon footprints. (To learn more, view this special “What if …” M2M video and visit www.sprint.com/m2m.)

These and many other applications are fueling exponential M2M growth, with research firm Analysis Mason projecting the number of M2M devices to increase from 62 million worldwide in 2010 to 2.1 billion in 2020.

“M2M is already demonstrating potent, transformative value for businesses across many industry sectors,” said Danny Bowman, president-Sprint Integrated Solutions Group. “Sprint uses its unique combination of network assets to help companies of all sizes seize on M2M opportunities. Through our Open-Network-Execution approach, we can serve customers as their primary M2M partner. Our value proposition is built on streamlining the process of deploying M2M solutions, while enabling customers to tap into our extensive M2M ecosystem, where they can choose from a broad selection of applications and expertise to support their specific objectives.”

To accommodate the needs of the great majority of its M2M customers, Sprint has built its M2M solutions around five segments, which currently reflect the most rapidly growing areas of M2M growth: connected transportation (including connected vehicles, fleet management and Usage-Based Insurance); fixed and portable solutions (including ATM/POS, digital signage, video surveillance and consumer electronics); SmartGrid and utilities (including charging stations for electric vehicles and smart meters); health care (including remote patient monitoring and e-visits); and education (including mobile learning and e-readers).

Expanded Sprint M2M Partner Offerings

Recent enhancements to Sprint’s M2M options include the following relationships with four existing and 10 new Sprint solutions partners added in 2011, listed by segment:

Connected Transportation

Feeney Wireless delivers faster, easier M2M integration: Existing partner Feeney Wireless is adding two enhancements to its offering with Sprint:

• Feeney Wireless is releasing a new line of connectivity devices for M2M applications under the brand name Skyus™. The Skyus platform accelerates time-to-market for developing connected devices and dramatically simplifies integration efforts. Built to work specifically with Sprint’s broadband data networks, the Skyus product line of rugged, low-cost devices are designed for embedded systems.
• In addition, Sprint and Feeney Wireless are announcing the creation of a new strategic partnership aimed at delivering advanced mobile and M2M solutions to the marketplace. The relationship with Feeney Wireless, designated as an Emerging Solutions Partner (ESP), will focus on product innovation, speed-to-market, and rapid commercialization of new products within the rapidly growing M2M and embedded solutions market. Feeney Wireless is a full service systems innovator and integrator of M2M solutions such as mobile vehicle connectivity systems for public safety, advanced location-based services and embedded connectivity kit. www.feeneywireless.com

Trimble makes the road a safer place: Existing partner Trimble is introducing the availability of its Trimble DriverSafety solution on the Sprint network. The solution provides companies insight into risky driving behavior and delivers comprehensive fleet tracking and fuel-management capabilities in an integrated platform. The tool enables managers to evaluate driver risks and skills, minimize fleet operating costs, improve mobile productivity and promote safety. www.trimble.commrm

Also In January 2011, Sprint announced innovative M2M initiatives with existing partner Aeris (supporting Hyundai) and new partners PACCAR and ECOtality that are expected to deliver significant environmental, safety, business efficiency and cost-saving benefits.

Fixed and Portable Solutions

Macheen delivers no-contract, Internet-included connectivity: New partner Macheen has partnered with Sprint to assist consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers in delivering simple, no-contract options for consumers to connect their devices to the Internet. M2M enabled e-readers, tablets, laptops and gaming devices ship ‘hot’ already connected to the Internet via the Sprint Nationwide Network. www.macheen.com

Omnilink tracking solution foils thieves: Existing partner Omnilink provides businesses with 24/7 wireless monitoring of valuable assets through the Omnilink Asset Locator tracking service. Omnilink recently announced that Sprint will offer the solution through its Business Direct sales channel. Operating on the Nationwide Sprint Network, the Omnilink Asset Locator Solution offers a unique, packaged security solution for tracking assets at risk for theft – including bank bags, Automatic Teller Machines, computers, data storage devices and vehicles. www.omnilink.com

Popstar Networks puts pop into digital sign networks: New partner Popstar Networks will deliver Popstar Wireless Broadband™ for extensive digital signage networks. Using Sprint’s broadband data connectivity, the solution enables businesses to deliver rich media content for interactive and passive digital displays. Companies with medium- to large-scale digital signage networks will be able to cost-effectively target customers in virtually any location. www.popstarnetworks.com

RedDotNet puts self-service kiosks at your fingertips: New partner RedDotNet and Sprint offer a wireless self-service kiosk solution unlike any conventional kiosk. Its contemporary form and tightly knit peripherals make it one of the most powerful, versatile and compact kiosks available. The RedDotNet solution is a turnkey approach to progressive and scalable touchscreen kiosk technology, content management, analytics, 24/7 support and professional consultation. www.reddotnet.com

Wireless Ronin casts wide net for digital signs: New partner Wireless Ronin Technologies and Sprint are packaging a comprehensive, fully hosted digital signage solution. The solution will leverage Wireless Ronin Technologies’ extensive digital signage market presence, with their RoninCast® software platform and 24/7/365 Network Operations Center, and Sprint’s broadband data connectivity capability. This will combine to offer customers a very robust, flexible and economical solution. www.wirelessronin.com

SmartGrid and Utilities

Grid Sentry brings efficient energy distribution home for utilities: New partner Grid Sentry LLC and Sprint will provide the Grid Sentry GS-200 Line Sentry on the Sprint broadband network. The device allows utilities to improve the efficiency of the distribution grid. By providing detailed information about the transmission grid, it gives utility operators the information to make real-time decisions, all from a device that can be installed in minutes. www.gridsentry.us

SmartLabs takes consumer energy control to the smartphone: New partner SmartLabs and Sprint will collaborate to provide wireless energy management solutions. With SmartLabs INSTEON technology and Sprint’s network infrastructure, business and home owners will be able to access and control energy consumption from a simple Web portal or a Sprint smartphone. INSTEON-compatible products enable energy management, demand response and scheduled load-shedding with real-time reporting and alerts. www.insteonsmartgrid.com and www.insteon.net

Health Care

BodyMedia helps you lead a healthier life: New partner BodyMedia and Sprint are expanding BodyMedia’s product portfolio. The Sprint broadband network and location-based services will power a new line of embedded wireless BodyMedia FIT Armbands and future wearable body monitors, set to launch in 2012. BodyMedia devices track an individual’s calorie burn, activity levels and sleep to help consumers tailor their habits to lead healthier lives. The connected Armband will use Sprint M2M to wirelessly send health and fitness data to the users’ smartphones, where the mobile application can provide near real-time feedback and analysis. www.bodymedia.com

IDEAL LIFE arms healthcare providers with vital stats: New partner IDEAL LIFE Inc. and Sprint are expanding IDEAL LIFE’s product portfolio to include embedded wireless devices. The companies will develop, certify and co-market a version of the IDEAL LIFE hub. IDEAL LIFE’s entire system will work wirelessly, using Sprint’s M2M platform and Nationwide Sprint Network to transmit health information to health care providers and caregivers to support ongoing health management. www.ideallifeonline.com

“These partners bring distinct enhancements to our M2M solutions set, which translates into even more finely tuned options for customers,” said Wayne Ward, vice president-Sprint Emerging Solutions Group. “Sprint M2M customers can draw on the specialized expertise of a wide range of M2M solutions partners, with Sprint simplifying the development and implementation process through our Open-Network-Execution approach.”

Sprint Open-Network-Execution (ONE) Approach

Sprint’s Emerging Solutions Group (ESG) is designed to serve as the single partner that business customers can turn to for M2M resources and expertise. Through ESG, Sprint provides a comprehensive set of solutions and support services that companies can make use of to successfully design, deploy and maintain their own M2M-based products and services. Sprint delivers this unified one-stop service through its Open-Network-Execution (ONE) approach to M2M.

Key components of the Sprint ONE approach are:

OPEN: Sprint delivers an open environment for its customers and partners to develop specialized M2M solutions and deploy them on the Now Network™. Among the resources available:

Sprint M2M Collaboration Center: Located near Silicon Valley in Burlingame, Calif., the M2M Collaboration Center is an actual working laboratory where customers work side by side with an extensive team of experts to make M2M ideas commercially viable.

Open Device Initiative: Sprint’s Open Device Initiative is the product of more than a decade of experience certifying non-Sprint-branded devices on its networks. The Open Device Initiative accelerates the process of identifying, testing and deploying devices for more rapid implementation of M2M business models.

Open Business Models: Sprint has significant experience and expertise in deploying a variety of M2M business models. Sprint can help create a business model that is the best fit for each customer. This includes working with a company to assess its business needs, and then determining how leveraging Sprint expertise and resources can maximize opportunities for success. In addition to network connectivity and services, Sprint can also provide services related to branding, customer care, sales and distribution, and end-user billing. Together, Sprint and its M2M customers can determine the optimal balance of service elements and support to establish the best possible business model.

NETWORK: Sprint delivers reliable, network agnostic capabilities, including:

4G Leadership and Network Choice: As the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States, Sprint now offers 4G service in 71 markets across the country, including Atlanta, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City. (For more information visit www.sprint.com/4G). 4G is one of many network choices available to Sprint customers to optimize M2M applications. Other network services include Sprint’s CDMA 3G and global Tier IP capabilities.

Network Vision: Sprint’s innovative network evolution blueprint is designed to further enhance voice quality and data speeds by consolidating multiple network technologies into one seamless network. (To learn more visit the Sprint Network Vision Information Center.)

Location-Based Services Leadership and Network of Partners: Sprint is the No. 1 wireless provider of GPS solutions, which have assisted companies with transportation and logistics needs for many years.* Sprint’s M2M partner ecosystem includes several leading providers of location-based services.

EXECUTION: Sprint delivers the full range of practical tools and support needed for successful M2M strategies and deployments.

Dedicated, Certified, Trusted Professionals: Sprint’s Emerging Solutions Group is wholly devoted to providing M2M solutions and guidance. Businesses interested in exploring M2M opportunities can begin by visiting www.sprint.com/m2m, Sprint’s online resource offering in-depth guidance on the tools and processes needed to implement device connectivity ideas.

Sprint Command Center: When launched later this year, the Sprint Command Center will provide M2M business customers with unprecedented network control, and a comprehensive device management platform.

Proven Experience and Support: In addition to the ongoing expansion of its M2M partner team, Sprint also provides a rich set of M2M expertise and capabilities. These include specialized industry solutions engineering teams and distribution, branding, billing and customer care services.

Sprint’s M2M solutions are part of Sprint’s broader offerings to business customers offered through the company’s Business Markets Group (BMG). BMG recently reported increased demand for Sprint’s business solutions and 4G devices, as well as notable third-party endorsements.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 49.9 million customers at the end of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless^SM; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

*GPS claim based on number of available GPS solutions that carriers offer and independent data.