Smart power grid company Echelon said it will use T-Mobile's wireless network to link its "smart meters" to utilities.
T-Mobile, the fourth-largest cell phone company in the U.S., will provide a cellular connection to Echelon's smart meters, which collects power usage for the company's network.
Several utilities have started testing "smart grid" technology in pilot programs designed to measure power demand and help electricity providers generate and distribute power far more efficiently.
Eventually, companies like Echelon hope to link smart meters to "smart appliances" which consumers can program to run during hours when electricity demand is low.
Wireless carriers like T-Mobile are looking for new ways to expand beyond handsets as the mobile industry saturates -- with more than four out of every five consumers owning a phone.
T-Mobile's embedded SIM is slightly larger than the head of a pin and will be made of silicon instead of plastic, making it more durable, since excessive heat, vibration or humidity can damage traditional cards.
