[Satellite Today 06-05-09] In the battle for U.S. stimulus funding, WiMax competitors are taking aim at potential smart grid technology contracts.
    Space Data, a U.S.-based spectrum holder in the NPCS band, offered its 930 MHz licensed spectrum for smart grid communications in combination with Full Spectrum‘s FullMax broadband wireless system, Space Data announced June 4. 
    The joint solution aims to provide utilities with their own private wide-area mission critical communications network for real time remote command and control of electric utility smart grid devices based on the mobile WiMax standard.
    Space Data said broadband communications are a critical element to substation automation locations throughout the electric grid. “In terms of grid automation, much of the focus to date has been directed toward automatic meter reading and control.  However, real-time, command and control of higher level grid devices are of equal if not greater importance in the drive for overall grid efficiency,” Stewart Kantor, CEO of Full Spectrum, said in a statement.