Page 2 - CT Issue 21
P. 2
Keys to the Smart City 1
Executive Summary
In the future, cities will be much smarter than
they are today. They will use information and
communications technologies to enrich and
enhance city life.
The most densely inhabited cities can remain efficient, lively Mobile networks deployed in licensed spectrum are well
and sustainable if they are effectively managed and are suited to enabling both the development of smart new ‘mega-
designed to minimise overcrowding, reduce pollution and cities’ and retrofitting services into existing cities, where they
tackle other issues for their citizens and business communities. already have extensive coverage and personnel. As a smart
city is about more than just connectivity, mobile operators
By harnessing the ongoing expansion in wireless connectivity, are able to help the city connect with local research centres,
the Internet of Things (IoT) is delivering affordable, scalable, create investment opportunities and engage their citizens
secure and proven services and technologies that can address with compelling services. Ultimately cities can create a
cities’ goals. With advances in utilities, fleet management, smart platform that can significantly change their operating
citizen engagement and other areas, many cities have and commercial models. This will enable them to attract
the foundations in place to take the next step towards an companies and residents, in turn making them more vibrant
integrated city, fit for future growth. and prosperous.
Mobile operators can provide the vital part of the Together, pioneering smart cities and their mobile operator
communications infrastructure that enables a city to become partners are leading the world in new service deployments and
smart. Operators can offer advanced secure networks, direct engagement with citizens. By developing a long-term,
management platforms, a high quality of service and intrinsic holistic smart cities strategy, and ensuring mobile operators
knowledge of how to build a successful smart cities strategy. are part of these conversations, cities are able to ensure
If cities engage with mobile operators early in their planning that they and their partners deliver on the same objectives
process, they will enjoy significant benefits arising from and build-in flexibility to incorporate new technologies and
operators’ local presence and fully standardised networks. services in the future.
