Networking: Broadband and Connectivity
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Superior, WI develops its own fiber network for affordable connectivity with Connect Superior pilot
City council members approved $5 million in ARPA funding for an open-access fiber network in downtown Superior. The pilot zone planned for 2024 includes 821 homes and commercial buildings. Local officials seek multiple Internet service providers for Connect Superior, thus creating competition for subscribers. The long-term plan is a network running to every address within city limits that lowers Internet access costs by 30%.
Superior, WI
United States
Northern Beaches, NSW installs VMWare's SD-WAN solution for more resilient connectivity
Local officials approved SD-WAN's use in buildings essential for council operations. This cloud-based technology automatically identifies connectivity issues and transfers data using the fastest available connections. Northern Beaches recently agreed to use satellite broadband from Vocus Satellite - Starlink in addition to its fiber-optic cable network. SD-WAN ensures the council's continuity of operations during natural disasters and other emergency situations.
Northern Beaches, NSW
Australia
Chattanooga, TN prepares community for quantum network possibilities with Gig City Goes Quantum
City-owned utility EPB set a goal of at least 1,000 learning activities related to quantum technology through May 2023. Virtual courses from partners like Chattanooga State and Oak Ridge National Lab explain the basics of quantum computing. A package of hands-on experiences for students in grades K-12 show applications like AI interactions, object detection, and cybersecurity. Registered participants are entered into a drawing for five Echo Show 10s.
Chattanooga, TN
United States
Oxfordshire County Council, GB GigaHubs Project expands broadband access to public facilities
The project plans full-fiber broadband at 200 council buildings including leisure centers, libraries, and fire stations. Neos Networks and its subcontractors were selected for the project's completion by the end of 2023. Oxfordshire County Council and the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) provided funding for this project. This is the first DCMS effort of its type and a model for the department's goal of 85% national gigabit connectivity by 2025.
Oxfordshire County Council, GB
United Kingdom
West Hollywood, CA develops WeHo Wi-Fi outdoor network for improved public connectivity
West Hollywood installed Wi-Fi 6 access points at intersections and bus shelters along Santa Monica Boulevard. WeHo Wi-Fi also supports connectivity at West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park Community Center. City officials focused on an outdoor Wi-Fi network for public access during events and staff use during fieldwork. The network also supports technology pilots and demonstrations as part of the WeHo Smart City Strategic Plan.
West Hollywood, CA
United States
Barcelona, CT envisions digitally inclusive future for all residents with Connectem Barcelona pilot
Connectem Barcelona - Barcelona Connects - was a one-year connectivity pilot in the Trinitat Nova neighborhood. Half of the 348 participants received devices and reliable Internet, while the other half also received training from IT experts. City officials recruited 30 nonprofits and businesses as partners in closing the digital divide for participants. This program addresses a lack of digital skills and knowledge identified in a 2020 citywide survey.
Barcelona, CT
Spain
Nillumbik, VIC locates mobile and Internet connectivity weak points with engagement campaign
The two-month campaign used an interactive map and survey to gather resident experiences with connectivity issues. The interactive map supported location-specific markers with indicators of weak Internet or mobile phone service. A short survey asked respondents about their locations, primary connectivity usage, and the impacts of poor service. Shire officials will rely on data from the campaign when lobbying state and federal officials for infrastructure upgrades.
Nillumbik, VIC
Australia
Catawba County, NC Wi-Fi for All provides free Internet access in public locations
County officials identified significant gaps in Internet access in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Catawba County Library used a state CARES grant for the installation of hard-wired connections and Wi-Fi routers at seven locations. Wi-Fi access at locations like the Hickory Soup Kitchen and Plaza Latina extended into parking lots for easier public use. Catawba County also stocked library locations with 118 tablets for residents without access to connected devices.
Catawba County, NC
United States
Dublin City Council, IE and Virgin Media pilot TIP's OpenWiFi system for free public Wi-Fi
The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) developed the OpenWiFi system with 100 service providers and manufacturers. OpenWiFi offers a flexible and open-source solution where users select solutions based on consumer needs rather than a single vendor's products. Dublin and Virgin Media will build a Wi-Fi 6 network for public access using equipment from Edgecore, HFCL, and NetExperience. The pilot will experiment with additional technology for optimization based on community needs.
Dublin City Council, IE
Ireland
Duluth, MN expands high-speed Internet access with pilot of Duluth Fiber network in Lincoln Park
The city's Digital Access Master Plan sets the goal of reliable and affordable access for every resident by 2028. The Duluth Fiber network will first connect to 1,900 homes and businesses in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This project provides open access to service providers, thus creating competition for subscribers that should decrease monthly costs. A one-year pilot will evaluate user experiences and determine interest in high-speed Internet access in other neighborhoods.
Duluth, MN
United States
Amarillo, TX and AT&T address connectivity gaps across the city with broadband access project
City officials and AT&T identified areas with limited access to reliable high-speed Internet. The initiative adds AT&T Fiber connectivity with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps to 22,000 addresses. Households earning at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for free access to the network. Amarillo will work with partners like Texas Tech University on digital training courses for participating households. This project was funded by federal ARPA money along with matching funds from AT&T.
Amarillo, TX
United States
Smoky Lake, AB develops a municipal broadband Internet service for affordable connectivity
High-capacity and long-range LTE equipment were installed at three towers throughout Smoky Lake. A pre-launch testing period recruited initial subscribers in exchange for a month of free service. The service offers four subscription levels ranging from 5 Mbps for $50 per month to 50 Mbps for $95 per month. The entry-level package was more competitively priced than all but one service on the local market in 2020, thus providing budget-friendly Internet for homes and businesses.
Smoky Lake, AB
Canada