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- Kingston-Upon-Thames is working with Boldyn Networks to deploy a smart infrastructure pilot with smart columns providing high-speed connectivity
The Kingston smart infrastructure pilot will see 20 CCTV sites with the smart columns deployed with scope to add IoT sensors to better manage borough services.
Kingston Council is partnering with Boldyn Networks to roll out a smart infrastructure pilot across the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames.
The project will deploy smart columns to help boost mobile connectivity, improve council services and enhance public safety. Designed by Boldyn Networks, one of the world’s largest neutral host providers, each column will host small cells to enhance digital connectivity and improve CCTV camera quality. The cameras will not be used for traffic purposes but will enhance public safety through their deterrence of criminal and anti-social behaviour.
High-speed fibre connectivity
Kingston Council will deploy approximately 20 CCTV sites with the new smart columns, and the design also allows the potential to add Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to better manage borough services, including the monitoring of road usage, footfall and air quality.
As part of the Kingston smart infrastructure pilot project, Boldyn Networks will install a 10.4km fibre ring across the borough that will provide the newly installed smart columns with high-speed connectivity.
The project has been awarded £250,000 of funding as part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) “Smart Infrastructure Pilots” programme. A total of £1.5m was on offer for six local authority-led pilots, that is being matched by smart service providers in partnership with the local authorities.
The pilot aims to support the delivery of the government’s UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, to introduce advanced wireless infrastructure to benefit people, businesses and public services across the UK.
“The way we stay in touch, access information and do business is underpinned by digital connectivity – and a world-class wireless infrastructure will be the foundation for the jobs, skills, and services of the future,” said John Whittingdale, UK minister for data and digital infrastructure. “We want to ensure that towns and cities across the UK are right at the forefront of this connectivity revolution, ready to seize the opportunities it will bring for local communities, which is exactly what these pilots are about.
“They will help demonstrate how advanced wireless technology can enable areas to innovate and deliver better public services, from rolling out electric vehicle chargers to boosting business growth and helping keep our streets safe.”
“We are delighted that our smart column design has been announced as one of the winners of DSIT’s Smart Infrastructure Pilots programme, alongside our partners at Kingston Council,” added Billy D’Arcy, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks.
“The funding offers a great opportunity to trial smart infrastructure and showcase the benefits that high-speed connectivity offers to local communities. We’re looking forward to seeing the next-generation columns in action, and supporting the boroughs move towards becoming a smart community.”
According to Boldyn Networks, the pilot complements its partnership with Transport for London (TfL) to deliver improved connectivity across the capital. This includes the installation of high-speed mobile connectivity across the London Underground network and the delivery of above ground fibre networks to improve connectivity across the capital’s boroughs.
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Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 22.09.2023
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