AT&T expands smart cities framework

Energy utility, Southern Company, and technology company, Hitachi have joined a new smart cities framework led by the telecommunications company AT&T, it was announced during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Initiated in January, the smart cities framework will be rolled out in select cities and universities across the US including two new member cities, Montgomery County and Chapel Hill. The framework is supported by an alliance of key technology companies and industry organisations to help cities address critical issues like energy costs, transport, ageing infrastructure, and public safety.

Southern Company is the first utility to join the alliance and will work together to develop and promote innovative energy technologies.

“More and more cities are realising the impact IoT solutions can have on improving the lives of their citizens,” said Mike Zeto, General Manager and Executive Director, AT&T Smart Cities. “Through our strategic alliances with companies like Southern Company and Hitachi, we’re well positioned to help cities address problems as well as create new opportunities, in their communities.”

As a member of the smart cities alliance, Hitachi will focus on solving issues that affect quality of life in cities and at universities.

“Through our smart cities collaboration, we aim to develop new technologies that will improve customers’ quality of life and support thriving communities–all while using electricity more productively,” said Thomas Fanning, Chairman, President and CEO, Southern Company.

Companies and cities that have already joined the alliance include Cisco, Deloitte, Ericsson, Chicago and Dallas.

“We are going to initially test our framework in ten spotlight cities in the US and then, together with the smart cities alliance, we will decide on our next path–whether that is in the US or abroad,” Zeto told Cities Today. “We’re just excited to help build more connected communities.”