Menu

IoT FEATURE NEWS

AT&T Joins Smart Cities Council, Continues Investing in Industry Leadership

By

As the biggest player in the IoT Connectivity world, AT&T has a vested interest in doing everything it can to expand the reach of the IoT. To further that mission, and show its continued leadership of the space, the company on September 14 at Smart Cities Week announced it has joined the Smart Cities Council.

As part of its membership, the company will join in the members’ efforts to design and manage projects that will build smart cities around the world.

“The Smart Cities Council seeks to advance the livability, workability and sustainability of the world’s cities,” said Jesse Berst, chairperson, Smart Cities Council. “Cities cannot achieve those ambitious goals without robust Internet of Things technologies like those pioneered by AT&T. We thank them and welcome them to our family of world-class, collaborative smart city suppliers.”

AT&T is now part of the Dallas Innovation Alliance, which focuses on creating smart city environments in Dallas. The alliance intends to deploy smart cities solutions in The West End Historic District, a popular downtown Dallas destination. Some of the ideas include: Smart Lighting through an LED lighting system that uses an app to view and manage lights remotely and lets maintenance crews easily locate and replace broken bulbs; Smart Parking with garages that save energy by only turning on the lights when a car approaches; Smart Transportation solutions complete with traffic signals that can organize traffic flow based on the number of vehicles and pedestrians and digital signage that lets commuters know when the next bus or train will arrive; Public Safety innovations like gun fire detection technology that alerts law enforcement when and where a shooting occurs, the number of rounds fired and the number of people involved; and Smart Buildings with motion sensor lights that dim or shut off lights when a room is empty, water meters that alert maintenance of leaking pipes and electric meters that monitor energy use and alert at specific thresholds.

Image via Shutterstock

“We’re helping people and businesses stay connected with IoT technology,” said Mike Zeto, general manager, Smart Cities, AT&T IoT Solutions. “Cities everywhere are starting to address issues like high energy costs, aging infrastructures and driving innovation that can engage citizens. We’re developing technology that can save water and reduce energy consumption. These tools can help cities preserve resources and better serve their community in a more sustainable way.”

AT&T is also a lead member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Global City Teams Challenge (GCTC). As part of the 2016 GCTC, AT&T will direct a team that helps more cities adopt Smart City solutions. Ten cities will be selected to deploy technology for smart metering, lighting, traffic management, parking and public safety. Cities participating in the technology deployments will be provided access to IoT solutions including access to AT&T’s M2X and Flow Designer services. The company is also co-hosting a smart cities hackathon with NIST at the AT&T Developer Summit in January 2016 with participating cities.

“We’re delighted to have AT&T participating in the challenge and leading a team.” said Sokwoo Rhee, associate director of Cyber-Physical Systems Program, NIST. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration with AT&T in GCTC 2016.”




Edited by Maurice Nagle
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

Editorial Director

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

Texas Passes Unique AI Laws

By: Carl Ford    7/3/2025

What is the new Texas AI law all about and what does it mean for businesses and government entities?

Read More

I've Asked the Security Experts, But It's Time You Have Your Say

By: Carl Ford    6/27/2025

Security experts are quick to say they know what's happening, but here's your opportunity to weigh in on the state of cybersecurity in IoT.

Read More

Mary Meeker Returns with AI and Breezes Past AIoT

By: Carl Ford    6/26/2025

We are entering an era where intelligence is not just embedded in digital applications, but also in vehicles, machines, and defense systems

Read More

Nothreat Fights AI Fire with AI in Firewalls

By: Carl Ford    6/26/2025

According to Nothreat, the only way to fight AI cyber threats in IoT with AI is to go beyond detection and into active containment, deception, and aut…

Read More

How Kapitus is Reshaping SMB Funding

By: Carl Ford    6/16/2025

Kapitus is a financial institution that provides various financing solutions to SMBs, operating as both a direct lender and a financing marketplace.

Read More