Mobile operator AT&T is continuing its framework for developing smart cities in the U.S. by adding companies to its platform as well as new cities that will be retrofitted modern landscapes to enable the Internet of Things (IoT).
Last month, AT&T announced its smart cities framework by forming alliances with Cisco, Ericsson, GE, IBM, Intel and Qualcomm Technologies Inc. in order to build connected communities in Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas. Now, AT&T is expanding its smart city platform with two new spotlight cities—Montgomery County, Maryland, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. AT&T’s framework is designed to develop and deploy smart city solutions to address issues such as high energy costs, transportation, aging infrastructure and public safety.
Montgomery County will utilize AT&T to explore futuristic opportunities inside the city and will help to expand the city’s existing IoT programs. Chapel Hill will have an emphasis on transforming the downtown corridor of Franklin Street, a mix of retail, public transit and parking, college student activities and entertainment venues. The smart city program in Chapel Hill will focus on adding smart lighting solutions, parking sensors, public venue options and transit opportunities as well as an increase in public safety.
Furthermore, AT&T says it has signed up two new partners for its smart cities program including energy utility Southern Company—the first utility to join the alliance—and electronics manufacturer Hitachi.
