text by Erika Chapman
When you research the future of Smart Cities, there is so much information to digest. Different domains, infrastructures, activities, stakeholders make up a complex system that is the future. Everyone needs to pay attention to the development of the smart city and its effects on our lives, especially those historically left out of the conversation.
One aspect of the smart city that is a game-changer and can be the first stop on our journey to discovering smart city emerging technologies is the fifth generation broadband cellular network technology, better known as 5G. Its profound connectivity capability, increased bandwidth, lightning download speeds, and overall improvements from 4G has put 5G at the forefront of thought and concern.
5G undeniably has the potential to be the critical enabler of a better-connected society, but how do we ensure underserved communities are not left behind or unfairly suffer the unintended consequences of this new connected society? These are the five reasons why women and underrepresented minorities need to pay attention to 5G.
- 5G is essential for the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT)
We will discuss IoT in future blog posts, but in short, according to IBM’s Jen Clark, IoT is the concept of connecting any device to the internet and other linked devices. For these devices to be synced and support each other in a seamless, efficient way, 5G is required.
Sriganesh Rao and Ramjee Prasad tell us in their article, Impact of 5G Technologies on Smart City Implementation, a city is a complex system involving many different domains, infrastructures, organizations, and activities. These need to be integrated and work together effectively for that city to become Smart. Women and underrepresented minorities are a considerable part of the system currently developing. As we continue to learn about 5G, envision where you fit into the system. How will this technology affect your community and circle of influence?
2. Change is Inevitable, but We Can Shape the Change
Cities must adopt more efficient technologies to maximize innovation and become more sustainable. We can either be part of the development and change by becoming informed and engaged or resist the inevitable. Smart cities will use technologies to improve transportation, public safety, water and sanitation, housing, and education. Being informed on the changes that are happening around us will empower us to voice and communicate how emerging technologies will affect the communities which we identify and reside.
3. Services and Applications in One Swipe
5G puts us one sqipe away from the services mentioned above. Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wondered if the traffic lights were working as efficiently as possible? Traffic management is a typical smart city project that uses 5G technology to help traffic flow and control light sensors. Emergency services will use 5G to improve response times, offer reliable communication, and ultimately advance citizens’ safety. Water and sanitation maintenance will be controlled by city systems connected by 5G to deliver adequate water supply and monitor and control waste collection and disposal. The information is accessible through interconnected mobile devices shown in Figure 2, adopted from Sriganesh Rao and Ramjee Prasad’s Impact of 5G Technologies on Smart City Implementation.
Figure 2 illustrates integration of various services and departments of a city, enabling data sharing amongst each other as required to provide a holistic view and control of the entire city’s functioning, making the city smart.
As systems and services we use everyday migrate to a cloud structure it is vital we are able to use the tools to better our lives. We can save money, and time by having tools work for us not against us.
4. Education– The Great Equalizer (1+4) = 5G
The last service mentioned is education. It is an essential dimension that shapes a functional society. Pay special attention to the changes 5G brings to education. All should have access to educational opportunities. Distance to education institutions is obsolete as 5G enables high-speed remote access to classrooms. COVID-19 has given us a glimpse of the virtual capabilities of education. It has also shown us the negative impact the lack of internet access can have on underserved communities. We do not want the same skewed unintentional consequences as smart city infrastructure affirms a move towards a more remote learning environment.
5. 5G is the Future
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we all have the power to make a positive change for ourselves and those mistreated. With smart city development, we have an opportunity to write our future. The fifth-generation broadband cellular network of that future will not surprise us. We will utilize the emerging technologies associated with 5G and demand it is used for social good. Smart cities will be inclusive and benefit us all if the teams developing them are diverse, aware, and analyze the unintended consequences of their technologies.
“As the world urbanizes, sustainable development and economic growth depend increasingly on the successful management of urban growth. With the right technology — and the know-how to govern it — cities can lead the way in solving problems in energy, transportation, healthcare, education and natural disaster response, while making their communities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.”
-The Global Smart Cities Alliance
Continue the conversation with your circle of influence. Always remember, technology for social good and access for all ensures a better tomorrow.
If you would like to read more about the articles and organizations mentioned in this post, please use the links below.
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