It’s a Smarter Future With Fiber

The explosion of the internet of things (IoT) is enabling communities across the globe to evolve into smart cities. Leveraging sensors, networks and data analysis, communities are addressing challenges in health care, energy, the workforce, public safety and many other sectors. But what’s behind the pulse of the smart city? Fiber infrastructure serves as the veins that support emerging applications, such as smart traffic sensors, connected vehicles and modern, cloud-connected medical devices. In 2017, San Diego spent $30 million to install 4,200 LED smart lights, traffic sensors, and pedestrian and public safety monitors. The investment saved more than $3 million a year in power usage. What started as a cost-saving program ended up becoming one of the largest smart-city sensor platforms in the country. Fiber is at the heart of smart-city initiatives because of its low-latency, high-bandwidth carrying capacity. Government funding will pay off as the US moves into a connected future. The San Diego example demonstrates the true, tangible impact of smart-city investments. Promoting economic growth, a skilled workforce, increased quality of life, and a sustainable future is on everyone’s agenda. Let’s all work to advocate for fiber-fed broadband, which allows us to reap benefits in nearly every element of our lives and in our communities.

[Kevin Morgan is the chief marketing officer for Clearfield.]