As municipalities across Cyprus announce plans to become “smart cities”, we take a deep dive into this new model, and specifically what this means for the future of mineral exploration and investment.
Although the term “smart city” has become a buzzword in city planning departments over the past few years, it is often little understood.
The digital divide has grown wider than ever as Cyprus’ education system, society and business, were caught off guard when dealing with a new environment of social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a time when health and safety measures prompted the public sector to limit its physical interaction and schools were closed, the role of technology in managing this situation has become even more crucial, according to secondary school teachers.
A new government initiative aiming to speed up the promotion of smart cities and the transition to digital and eco-friendly infrastructures by promoting innovation as a sustainable economic tool has been approved by the council of ministers, following a proposal by the deputy ministry of research, innovation and digital policy.
The project will be coordinated by the deputy ministry in cooperation with local municipalities.
Read more: CY: Government initiative for smarter cities, Nicosia to address traffic issues
Ιnternet access in Cyprus households increased to 92.8% from 89.6% in 2019, according to official data released Friday.
According to the survey on information and communication technologies, 90.5% of people aged 16-74 use the internet at least once a week.
The percentage is higher for those aged 16–24 with 99.6% using the internet at least once a week.
The pandemic has accelerated Cyprus’ digitalisation process as it plays catch-up with the rest of the world as the need for faster internet grows.
And the Cyprus Telecommunication Authority is rolling out faster internet projects years ahead of schedule.
Cyta crews have been seen on the streets laying a fibre optic network, speeding up the project to offer consumers super high speeds, fast-forwarding the process by at least four years.