Making Cities Smarter & Safer
Posted on July 24, 2019 Dense Networks – a valued member of the Safer Buildings Coalition – is currently running a series of events called Getting To Smart - Connected Cities Tour, which feature industry leaders and other bright minds, including SBC Managing Director John Foley.
We had a chance to catch up with Dense Networks’ Executive Director Pete Murray during the recent In-Building Wireless Congress to discuss Dense Networks, “smart” cities, and how Dense and Safer Buildings Coalition can work together to improve public safety and the public’s safety.
Q: Can you describe Dense Networks and its mission?
A: We call what we do a “Social Think Tank.” We focus on how Connectivity is enabling Cities, Buildings, Vehicles and Things to become “Smart.” Our goal is to help clarify best practices, business models and technology architectures that are working.
Q: Your "Getting to Smart" Connected Cities series of events, which Safer Buildings Coalition co-sponsors, is underway. What does "Getting to Smart" mean? What are various cities doing to become "smart"?
A: “Getting to Smart” is about applying technology and connectivity to achieve new outcomes/solutions. An example is the concept of Smart Spaces. Cities like Las Vegas are setting up Innovation districts that have high speed network infrastructure that supports Gigabit transmission, Video, Sensors (things) and analytics that can provide situational awareness to police, air quality data to environmentalists, pedestrian counts at busy intersections and other innovative new ways to manage the complexities of their city.
Q: Just how "smart" are most cities/communities at the moment? Is this something most cities make a priority at the moment?
A: Most cities have pockets of smart but are still evolving their strategy. Orlando now calls themselves a future-ready city. Communications is central to most of the key infrastructure needs. Public Safety, Real Estate and Transportation are 3 of the areas where the most innovation is taking place today.
Q: The Safer Buildings Coalition works to improve public safety by focusing on wireless in-building communication. What's the connection between public safety and smart buildings, campuses, and cities?
A: Every year, the USA Mayors get together and discuss their biggest issues. Public Safety is always either the #1 or #2 issue. Quality of Life is a negative if citizens do not feel safe.
Q: Why does Dense Networks collaborate with the Safer Buildings Coalition? How can SBC help Dense Networks accomplish its mission? And vice versa?
A: Dense Networks focuses on how Connectivity is impacting society. As we discussed, Public Safety is critical. The Dense Networks ecosystem is made up of many companies that provide solutions that help make buildings safer. It is both a logical and creative relationship. I think we both can benefit by increasing visibility of our organizations and our message.
Thanks for your time, Pete. And thanks again for being a Safer Buildings Coalition member.
Visit Dense Networks at www.densenetworks.com |