A new year ushers in a new set of resolutions.
AT&T* is resolved to continue developing and delivering Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to help make our cities and communities smarter, safer and more efficient.
They’re currently testing a new structure monitoring solution that will help improve the safety of our roadways and railways.
This comes in addition to their smart cities work with several U.S. spotlight cities and their recently launched digital infrastructure solution.
US infrastructure is aging and in disrepair, with almost half of US bridges more than 50 years old.1
Organizations normally rely on visual inspections to assess the state of our roadways and railways, however, since many are in remote locations, it is difficult to regularly assess.
Additionally, many of the remote monitoring alternatives use older technology solutions that are bulky and not suited for the long-term.
AT&T is set to deliver a solution so teams can monitor structural and environmental factors remotely in near real time.
(See why AT&T is a leader in Smart City IoT connectivity and capabilities with the largest number of connected devices. Courtesy of AT&T Business and YouTube)
“Safety is a top concern of citizens and cities alike,” said Mike Zeto, general manager, AT&T Smart Cities.
“This concern extends beyond the realm of crime and natural disasters. It also includes the safety of our infrastructure.”
“We’re pleased to test this solution, which will allow for smart infrastructure analysis and monitoring.”
(Mike Zeto explains how technology can help cities deliver services more efficiently and improve life for their residents. Courtesy of AT&T Business and YouTube)
With AT&T Smart Cities Structure Monitoring, selected infrastructure will receive AT&T LTE-enabled sensors to remotely monitor structural factors.
The sensors, which measure things like cracks and tilts, also feature alert triggers and email alerts to capture significant events.
How will this benefit organizations and the community?
- Help improve safety and planning
- Fewer manual inspections can lower operational costs
- Organizations can monitor structures in near real time using the internet, witha web-enabled device.
Their new AT&T Smart Cities Structure Monitoring product will join their growing Smart Cities solutions suite which includes AT&T Smart Cities Digital Infrastructure, AT&T Smart Irrigation, AT&T Smart Cities Operations Center, AT&T Smart Grid – Solar Solution, and AT&T Smart Grid Solutions – Prepay Energy.
(AT&T helps deliver on the promise of smart grid solutions for energy and utility customers. Smart grids can benefit companies and customers alike with operational efficiencies and cost savings. Courtesy of AT&T Business and YouTube)
AT&T Smart Cities Update
AT&T launched their Smart Cities organization in the fall of 2015.
Since then, they’ve worked closely with cities and their citizens to better understand key challenges and help them create impactful solutions, forming strategic alliances with technology companies, the developer community and other leading organizations.
An example of this collaboration is AT&T’s spotlight city program.
It’s a unique initiative that tests our smart cities framework in select cities and municipalities across the country.
Update Atlanta:
The City of Atlanta was one of the first cities to join the spotlight city program.
AT&T’s close collaboration with city leaders is helping to bring Atlanta’s smart cities vision to life.
Utilizing AT&T Digital Infrastructure with Current, powered by GE’s CityIQTM, they are working with the local utilities to transform the city’s existing lighting infrastructure into a sensor-enabled data network that will accelerate the digital era of urban development.
(Pete Murray of Dense Networks in an in-depth conversation with Mike Zeto, General Manager, Executive Director AT&T Smart Cities. Courtesy of Dense Networks and YouTube)
Thus far, two hundred sensors have been added to previously installed LED streetlights encompassing key areas in the city.
The sensors will help Atlanta address issues such as traffic flow, parking optimization and gunshot detection, and create a platform for citizen engagement.
AT&T is also part of a broader effort to help the city strategically address road safety challenges as part of their Smart Corridor project.
From innovative programs like the Atlanta Civic Coding Competition to their work with the IoT.ATL initiative, AT&T’s commitment to helping Atlanta become one of the first true smart cities remains strong.
Update Dallas:
AT&T teamed with the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) and other technology leaders in the city to create a living lab – a multi-phased smart cities project in Dallas.
The solution addresses key challenges like sustainability and parking.
To make the city’s historic West End more sustainable, the city installed 22 new smart lighting solutions using connected LED and intelligent controls.
The new lighting used 35% less energy in its first 90 days.
(DIA West End Showcase. Courtesy of Joshua Hurst and YouTube)
“A smart city works to solve city problems, conserve resources and create an inclusive and prosperous city,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
“The technology itself isn’t enough without measurable insights that come from data.”
“The Living Lab from AT&T and the Dallas Innovation Alliance provides a great platform to test and share results of projects that could positively impact Dallas citizens.”
“We look forward to continued progress in creating a truly smart city for all of Dallas.”
The second phase of the DIA Smart Cities Living Lab powered by AT&T will launch later this month.
Update Montgomery County:
Montgomery County Maryland has a large commuter population.
Together with some of AT&T’s strategic alliance members, they worked to enhance ridership through the use of technology, such as informing the public about transit time delays in real-time and improving the riders’ experience.
To address these issues, Wi-Fi was installed on targeted buses and bus shelters.
Early research suggests the county will see increased ridership.
Update Mexico:
Mexico City’s Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO) recently signed an agreement with AT&T to run an Internet of Things (IoT) market pilot.
This initiative, part of SEDECO’s “Program to Promote and Improve Public Markets in Mexico City,” reaffirms their interest in Smart Cities projects that are designed to promote sustainable development and effective management by using technology and connectivity.
(Matt Foreman with AT&T discusses Internet of Things and how IoT is enabling smarter cities. Courtesy of Dense Networks and YouTube)
To learn more, go to att.com/smartcities.
AT&T helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, business, mobile and high speed internet services.
Nearly 3.5 million companies, from small to large businesses around the globe, turn to AT&T for our highly secure smart solutions.
12017 Infrastructure Report Card, American Society of Civil Engineers
