Smart cities leverage 5G connections to optimize municipal services, transportation, security of user data, infrastructure, and accessibility.
FREMONT, CA: Current smart cities face digital adoption and interconnectivity hurdles. Digital adoption is only as effective as its network quality. 5G connectivity enhances a smart city's operation, enabling uninterrupted automation, machine learning (ML), sensors, and data analytics applications. Optimally functioning digital infrastructure improves developers' ability to scale solutions and smart city ecosystem development.
Market research shows that the market size of the global internet of things (IoT) applications in smart cities will grow by 18.8 percent. Better smart application performance enhances user experiences and functionality. 5G connections improve end-to-end security to reduce user vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Implementing 5G solutions connects city departments for easy governance and policy implementation. The advantages of integrating smart cities with 5G connection are:
Infrastructure and services: 5G connections upgrade the overall performance of a smart city by upgrading aging infrastructure and services. Connectivity to services allows smart cities to run more efficiently at lower costs, resource utilization, and digital responsiveness that accommodates wider citizen needs.
Operational services and security: Municipal activities and government-run outlets like ports and warehouses operate on outdated network connectivity. City functions rely on Industry 4.0 use cases. 5G connections advance digital infrastructure and improve overall city operations and security.
Digital divide: Digital cities offer many online services like education, medical appointments, and retail. Reliable and uninterrupted connectivity connects all parts of a city and its residents. City locations and geographies that need strong connectivity cannot access basic amenities.
Governments are increasingly adopting digital solutions to improve their infrastructure and citizens' quality of life. Surveys show that 70 percent of global governments will invest in digital solutions. City planners are integrating 5G connectivity with their infrastructure by focusing on intelligent transportation systems, healthcare and medical delivery, and safety. Funding is another important area that planning authorities need to consolidate. Allocating funds according to governance, operating models, and procedures ensure optimal 5G applications in the smart city.
