Smartphones Help Utility Upgrade Network Map

By Brian Albright, Integrated Solutions magazine

Some would argue that consumergrade smartphones aren't sufficiently durable to handle rugged field applications. However, an increasing number of companies are deploying smartphones for just these types of solutions because of the low cost and multimode functionality of the devices. Nova Scotia Power, Inc. (NSPI), for instance, is using BlackBerry Storm phones for a data collection project that will help it upgrade its electrical network model.