Sprint Command Center Puts Businesses in the Driver’s Seat with Customizable Self-Service Management Platform for M2M Devices and Services

Companies’ growing demand for increased speed to market, optimized customer experience and increased operational efficiencies is served by Sprint Command Center — including the ability to lower cost of operating M2M devices

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) today announced the launch of Sprint Command Center, a centralized, secure, self-service portal offering unprecedented control over Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices and services. The latest M2M empowerment tool from Sprint offers a convenient, comprehensive platform that allows businesses to control provisioning, billing, management and solution/application development of their own M2M solution.

M2M is about connecting people, devices and systems in new and transforming ways. Devices as diverse as utility meters, signboards, cameras, remote sensors, appliances and consumer devices can be connected to each other over wired or wireless connections, and share data to support a variety of new uses and achieve increased efficiencies.

Integrated Platform Simplifies Device Management

Sprint Command Center enables businesses to manage services via Web portal or direct API access, while also leveraging existing enterprise applications to control devices and services. Users can take advantage of Sprint’s expertise to manufacture customizable devices, test connectivity and deploy to the field before generating monthly recurring charges via automatic activation triggers. Business customers can then tailor M2M opportunities for their own operations or for their customers. Companies can add, remove, suspend and un-suspend devices on the fly, view detailed and summary usage records and billing information, and create custom user notifications based on usage thresholds.

Sprint has developed a tightly integrated platform by leveraging technology from leading ecosystem participants into the Sprint billing platform. The benefit to business users and developers is a simplified, easy-to-use, secure application that enables an enterprise to easily manage the growing number of M2M devices without requiring separate charges. The base level of features is included with Sprint’s M2M rate plans. Additional integration, management features and self-service capabilities are also available as needed.

Sprint Command Center Serves Fast-Growing Innovator ECOtality

Sprint, along with other companies in the M2M ecosystem, has already brought to market a wide array of solutions that feature a host of devices running on its network – ranging from those that are used widely by many businesses and consumers (such as aircards and monitoring devices) to highly specialized devices and software (such as smart meters, UBI devices and medical apps). ECOtality (NASDAQ: ECTY), a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies that address the world’s global energy challenges, is already harnessing the value of the Sprint Command Center.

“Our Blink charging stations are rapidly expanding into 18 major cities and metropolitan areas. We are able to leverage the Sprint Command Center to manage the growing number of electric charging stations – including remote activation and upgrades, plus the ability to collect data wirelessly for billing, security and other services,” said Jonathan Read, CEO – ECOtality.

With powerful features available today, the Sprint Command Center is a robust, self-service management platform for M2M devices and services, enabling businesses to control a single device – or thousands of devices – from Sprint’s secure online portal. Sprint’s Command Center includes a built-in, encrypted VPN security standard, and does not require additional services to achieve a secure connection.

Additional key features and benefits include:

• Quick, convenient management of M2M devices and services
• Secure platform and connectivity for protected access
• Simple, remote control of key management tasks

— Add, remove, suspend or un-suspend devices

— Automated pre-provisioning, activations and un-suspensions

— Pre-planned (by date/time, usage, etc.) or on-the-fly management

• Flexible billing/usage capabilities

— Dynamic rate plans, flexible pooling, Business Rule Engine for device billing, customized billing triggers

— Usage alerts and notifications for timely response

• Extensive reporting to support real-time assessment and ongoing solution optimization
• Easy integration with existing infrastructure/applications via open APIs
• Powerful development tools, including kits, modules, hardware and service plans

“As businesses discover the enormous potential of M2M they’re demanding resources and tools that can provide rapid enablement and return on investment, along with an enhanced experience for their customers. The Sprint Command Center anticipates that need as a key addition to our solutions package,” said Wayne Ward, vice president of Emerging Solutions Group – Sprint. ”Coupled with Sprint’s proven experience in M2M solutions management, Sprint Command Center helps drive enhanced innovation in functions that depend on reliable, fast communication, including energy management, transportation, telematics, mobile healthcare, mobile security, and digital signage. Our open platform, network leadership, dedicated support and proven experience will help businesses quickly and securely launch their M2M ideas.”

About Sprint Emerging Solutions

The Emerging Solutions Group (ESG), a division of Sprint Business, is an industry leader in M2M and embedded solutions. ESG delivers a full complement of assets critical to successful M2M and embedded solutions deployments. These include: network agnostic capabilities (including 3G, 4G, CDMA, iDEN, and a reliable Tier 1 IP network); specialized industry solutions engineering teams; an open approach to devices and applications through the company’s Open Device Initiative, an expansive M2M ecosystem; and the ability to provide customers with customized solutions that can include distribution, branding, billing and customer care services. To learn more, visit www.sprint.com/m2mcommandcenter and view the Sprint Command Center video in the top right corner.

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 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 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; 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.