AT&T pushes the smart cities framework

AT&T smart cities momentum continues since announcing the framework a year ago.

The test of the framework began in several spotlight cities and universities, which include Atlanta, Chapel Hill (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Georgia Institute of Technology, Miami – Dade County, Portland (Oregon) and Montgomery County (MD).

Miami – Dade County

Miami – Dade County is the first to launch the Smart Cities Operation Center. The platform gives municipality leadership visibility of their communities’ conditions—all from one location and in near-real time.

Highlights:

• Remote monitoring and more efficient operations solutions for police and public safety officials.

• Upgrades to the county’s existing lighting infrastructure with smart LED lighting.

• Reliable data to help inform decision making around urban transportation planning.

• A traffic intersection network solution to help improve traffic flow.

Atlanta

A major focus is on the city’s North Avenue corridor project. Atlanta’s North Avenue corridor borders the Georgia Tech campus and is in the heart of the city’s business and theater district. Atlanta is using the corridor as a test bed for numerous technologies.

“Data is key to building a smart city,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “As one of the first cities to join AT&T’s smart cities program, we realized having highly secure, reliable access to near real-time data is a game-changer. This will help improve the lives of our residents, while addressing the current and future needs of our city.”

Another key area of focus for the city is intelligent lighting. Together with GE and Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, AT&T is working to bring intelligent LED lighting solutions to the city that will ultimately help improve public safety conditions and create greater efficiencies, including maintenance costs.

Chicago

The latest pilots are designed to keep Chicago residents and tourists more productive, engaged and informed as they move about town. The solutions rolling out later this month include:

• Smart digital transportation boards in Chicago O’Hare International airport – The smart digital display will help travelers with their ground transportation planning. Boards located near airport baggage claim will show the fastest and lowest-cost routes into the city. Reliable AT&T network connectivity will source real-time information so travelers can determine their best mode of transportation.

• Connected bus shelters in several Chicago communities – Connectivity will increase productivity and help create a safer, more inviting environment. Select bus shelters will have free Wi-Fi, intelligent lighting and digital displays to inform commuters of the next bus arrival.

• Interactive touch-screen information kiosks – Chicago has many popular tourist spots, but the city also has hidden gems. The kiosks will help visitors find local points of interest, and directions to get there. The kiosks will also feature USB charging ports and offer free public Wi-Fi services.