BT Group has announced a narrowband internet of things (NB-IOT) network, which it says is set to pave the way for more UK smart cities and industries.
The network is underpinned by EE’s mobile network and covers 97% of the UK’s population, based on EE's licensed spectrum in the 1800MHz band.
NB-IoT is a low-power network that offers the ability to securely and reliably connect IOT devices
Read more: BT launches narrowband-IoT network to support UK smart cities
Manish Kharel, general manager for Lime, says 2024 must be the year micromobility infrastructure develops in line with demand to meet active and green travel goals.
2023 saw London double down on its commitments to green policy and active travel. With more bike lanes and low-traffic neighbourhoods implemented across the city last year, and the ultra low emission (Ulez) zone expanded across all London boroughs, there are mounting disincentives for travelling by car.
Read more: GB: London: The top trends for micromobility in 2024
While experts argue smart cities in the UK can bring great benefits, the necessary connectivity improvements may only arrive via a piecemeal approach
The phrase ‘smart city’ means many things to many people, but it’s been nearly 20 years since the term was first used by IBM and Cisco to recognize how connected sensors can be used to monitor urban issues. Smart cities in the UK were a hot topic just a few years ago, but in the time since progress has been divided between regions.
Confusion and misinformation about the concept of 15 minute cities were partly responsible for a change in England’s transport policy.
A report in The Guardian newspaper has revealed that policy papers from the Department for Transport said that curbs on walking and cycling schemes were “in response to concerns about 15-minute cities.”
A 15 minute city concept is an urban planning tool where cities are designed so most human needs can be met within a 15 minute walk or cycle. Such schemes sometimes include plans for better cycling and walking infrastructure, and percentage targets for residents to have their basic daily “non-work” needs met close by.
Read more: GB: The 15 Minute City 'Conspiracy' That Shifted Transport Policy
Micromobility provider Tier Mobility is adding 500 shared Westbike electric bikes to the UK city’s micromobility fleet with Westcargo bikes to follow shortly.
Micromobility provider Tier Mobility is rolling out 500 shared Westbike electric bikes in the UK city of Bristol.
It follows its deployment of more than 2,000 e-scooters earlier this year and plans to also add Westcargo bikes to the micromobility fleet shortly.
Read more: GB: South West England: Bristol expands micromobility fleet with 500 e-bikes