“Certain systems with lower bandwidth requirements, such as Smart Parking, Smart Lighting or Smart Waste Management can be implemented relatively easy and at a fairly low cost. The ‘Internet of Things’ can be expanded to incorporate a wide range of devices and services in the public space. All kinds of moving objects in the city ecosystem can be networked, from bikes to buses.”
The network as an enabler
“To enable this, a superfast ‘nervous system’ is required. In this context that means future-proof, next-generation networks will be vital. Municipalities have a clear advantage, in this respect; within their own geographical boundaries they own all right of ways to lay fibre optic cables and ducts.”
“In a ‘Smart’ environment, Public Wlan and mobile Networks are vital supplementary networks to fibre, further expanding the ‘nervous system’. Connecting antennas through fibre helps offload mobile traffic, too. Smart Grids, which add information and metering systems to a ‘regular’ electrical grid, play a major role in reducing the carbon impact of urban communities. Today, cities consume more than half of all energy and emit more than 50% of the world’s greenhouse gas. Faster connections also allow people to work, study and enjoy themselves without traveling as much as they once needed to, adding to the environmental benefit.”
“Of course, homes are also part of the Smart City ecosystem. Key electrical appliances and services can be connected, allowing them to be remotely controlled, monitored and accessed when necessary. This type of home automation can be particularly valuable to elderly and disabled people wishing to maintain their independence and safety.”
Next steps
“We can take the networked Smart City concept a step further. An intelligent or Smart Society will optimize its resources by using ICT in an efficient way and take better care of natural resources. Thanks to telecommunications and collaboration technologies travel times will be reduced.”
“Of course, realization of a Smart City takes place step by step. It is vital that key stakeholders are identified and involved from the outset. A vision, targets and objectives need to be defined which are shared by key opinion makers and the population. Eventually, we might arrive at a truly Smart Society, which will take better care of natural resources and optimize its own resources and knowledge by using ICT in an efficient way.”
“A truly Smart City will increase efficiency, productivity, ecological awareness; it will reduce pollution and improve quality of life in a world of increasing urban complexity."
A Smart City uses intelligent systems and information to increase efficiency, productivity, and ecology awareness; it reduces pollution and improves quality of life in a world of increasing urban complexity.
‘Smartness’ can be a key differentiator for urban areas, making cities particularly attractive for businesses and new inhabitants. Municipal OPEX and CAPEX can be lowered by making working processes more efficient. Existing functions, such as public security can be enhanced.
The FTTH Council Smart City Group has agreed that for a city to be labelled Smart, it must have implemented all of these three initiatives:
- A strong and reliable communication network, preferably based on fibre optics (FTTH)
- Government involvement to provide added value to the citizens
- Initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy
