AT&T launched an alliance with several business partners to bring new smart city technology across U.S. cities.
The framework will add a focus on IoT technologies addressing infrastructure, citizen engagement, transportation and public safety.
Specifically, it includes:
Infrastructure: Cities are able to remotely monitor the conditions of roads, bridges, buildings, parks and other venues. Maintenance crews can identify slick roadways during freezing weather or detect bridges that may need repairs.
Citizen Engagement: Mobile apps give people information to stay better prepared. For example, you can be notified in near real-time if a traffic light isn’t working on your route. You can also remotely view parking meters and reserve spaces ahead of time.
Transportation: Digital signage lets commuters know in near real-time when the next bus or train will arrive. People can rent electric bikes at stations across the city to reduce traffic.
Public Safety: Cities can better manage traffic patterns of pedestrians at stadiums, parks, and busy intersections. Gun fire detection technology helps law enforcement know where a shooting occurred. It also helps them determine the number of people involved and rounds fired.
Alliance companies include Cisco, Ericsson, GE, IBM, Intel, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The group's work initially will include the cities of Atlanta, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Chicago and Dallas.
"Atlanta has long demonstrated how private-public relationships enabled the city to serve as an innovator in many areas of technology and society," said Steve Cross, executive vice president for research at Georgia Tech. "Georgia Tech is excited to bring its research competencies to work with the city, AT&T as well as other companies, NGOs, and education organizations to set the standard for building a smart cities framework."
"From water system sensors to advanced analytics and energy efficiency efforts, Chicago has already taken steps to become a Smart City," said Brenna Berman, CIO of the City of Chicago. "We are excited to team with AT&T, a leader in Internet of Things solutions, to help us harness the power of near real-time information to create a safer, cleaner and more efficient city."
"The Dallas Innovation Alliance is thrilled to work with AT&T on its smart city initiatives for the city of Dallas," said Trey Bowles, cofounder of the Dallas Innovation Alliance. "The DIA was established to gather the expertise and perspectives of public, private and academic institutions. By working closely with the mayor, city manager, CIO, key non-profit and industry leaders, we look forward to building a holistic approach to smart cities beginning in the West End Historic District in Downtown Dallas."
AT&T is also developing a new digital dashboard that gives cities a high-level look at their communities' conditions. The Smart City Network Operation Center (SC-NOC) offers cities a dashboard view of how assets are performing in near-real time. City officials can keep tabs on power outages, water leaks, traffic issues, and more – all from one location.
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