There are better ways to close the digital divide
Dallas leaders look to build their own fiber network using $82 million in taxpayer dollars in a city with no shortage of broadband options. They are moving forward with this plan despite the city having a 98% coverage rate of 5G wireless service.
The city has recently consulted on a plan to make Dallas a “smart city,” with wireless internet access everywhere within its borders.
Weiterlesen: US: Texas: Dallas: City’s broadband proposal is expensive, unnecessary
Departments and experts from the City of Los Angeles highlighted several strategic hurdles to overcome as they work to expand the capabilities of Smart City Digital Services by 2028. The city is committed to continually improving its digital user experiences and customer journey services. Among their identified difficulties are: Improving User Experience (UX) Across L.A. Digital Services; Accessibility and Awareness of L.A. Digital Services; and Privacy & Ethical Concerns.
In the City of Los Angeles, technology is fundamental to how we function in managing traffic, planning our communities, engaging our constituencies, and protecting our residents through the coordination of both existing and emerging Smart City Technologies, we are positioned to transform the way we live. – Ted Ross, Chief Information Officer, City of Los Angeles/General Manager, Information Technology Agency
Weiterlesen: US: California: Los Angeles to Boost Smart City Digital Services
Through weeks of prepared statements, an interview and a public hearing, two New Orleans government employees involved in City Hall's failed “smart cities” project have downplayed their relationship with the companies that won the right to negotiate a 15-year broadband and infrastructure contract.
But Verge Internet, a private company founded by those employees, was once pitched to officials in Los Angeles as part of a “team of industry leaders” with Qualcomm and JLC Infrastructure on a similar plan to “bridge the digital divide” in that city, according to a newly obtained document.
Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently announced the formation of the Chicago Digital Equity Council, a multi-sector, community-driven endeavour to better understand and address the nuances of digital equity and permanently close Chicago’s digital gap. “That’s why we have mobilised City funding to close the digital divide and improve internet access in our most vulnerable communities.”
She added that closing gaps in technology and learning tools will benefit their entire community and will help to assist the next generation of digitally empowered Chicagoans, adding that one of her top priorities is to provide residents with the tools they need to reach their full potential.
Weiterlesen: US: Illinois: Chicago Committed to Digital Equity, Expands Citywide Internet
The City Council voted to hire an investigator to oversee its inquiry into a smart city plan that collapsed last month when a private consortium chosen by the city exited contract talks amid bid-rigging accusations.
Help wanted: a gumshoe to scour documents and question witnesses about New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's doomed "smart city" contract. Qualifications: experience with legal proceedings and the savvy to navigate a political hornet's nest.
Weiterlesen: US: Louisiana: New Orleans to Hire Outside Investigator for Smart City Case