How can transport authorities and operators collaborate to invest in 5G networks that enable smart city services, keeping people safe and connected?
A new report from BAI Communications examined transport and connectivity in smart cities. Surveying more than 2,400 rail users across Hong Kong, London, New York City, Sydney and Toronto, the study highlights the rising importance of next-generation network infrastructure and data-driven services for modern urban mobility.
Justin Berger, Chief Strategy Officer at BAI Communications, explains the reasoning: “Local governments and transit authorities understand the importance of building and maintaining the latest wireless infrastructure because user demand for network capacity grows exponentially over time.”
The demand for reliable connectivity is clear. Ninety-one percent of rail users surveyed said they would support government investment in new wireless and fibre networks, and 85% expressed interest in 5G. Roughly 83% supported their city investing in a 5G network.
Passengers are also receptive to the use of anonymized data to improve transport systems: 81% reported being at least somewhat comfortable with anonymised data being used for that purpose. Ninety percent said they would enjoy journeys more if rail networks evolved using connectivity, data and AI.
The report argues that capitalizing on these opportunities will enable governments, businesses and transit authorities to deliver many benefits—from enhanced safety and security to new commercial opportunities, innovation and transformed public spaces. Berger adds that awareness will continue to rise. “As we develop IoT applications and data-driven services that support modern use cases and can analyse vast amounts of data in real time, the supporting infrastructure required is 5G,” he says.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made safer travel environments even more vital. Much as remote working accelerated cloud initiatives, the pandemic presents an opportunity for transport authorities to modernize systems and better protect passengers.
“In a context where social distancing is a key consideration in crowded places, communications infrastructure is essential to the economic recovery of any major city,” says Berger. “It is a crucial part of how we design public spaces and how transport authorities and operators ensure safe experiences for citizens using those spaces.”
Some transit operators are already leveraging anonymized mobile data to understand user behaviour and apply those insights to train frequency and scheduling. Berger notes that citizens expect public services, including transport, to adapt in real time to new usage patterns that emerged during the pandemic. Advanced communications networks and applications can help authorities respond more efficiently to changed travel, work and lifestyle habits.
Despite the clear benefits, challenges remain for transport authorities considering large-scale deployments. As telecoms analyst Dean Bubley points out in the report, trade-offs between utility and privacy are complex but critical to building public trust and achieving user acceptance.
BAI Communications provides neutral-host solutions and reliable network infrastructure to create connected communities and help governments and transit authorities realize economic and social benefits for citizens. Projects are already underway in several of the surveyed metros. In Toronto, BAI is working with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to create a data analytics solution that uses anonymised device association data to improve passenger flow. In New York, Transit Wireless (a majority-owned BAI company) operates five data centres optimized for edge computing to prepare for future 5G needs.
“We have shared these findings with our partners, transit operators and mobile network operators, and they have resonated widely,” Berger says. “Neutral-host companies like BAI are prepared to invest in infrastructure that becomes a revenue stream for landlords and infrastructure owners. For MNOs, partnering with neutral hosts is a cost-effective way to meet the growing demand for stronger, more reliable networks.”
The report reaches three key conclusions:
- Advanced network infrastructure is the foundation of a smart city
- Data-driven services make transportation safer, smarter and more efficient
- Connectivity gives citizens more control over their time, work and wellbeing
To read the full report, “Transport and Connectivity: Smarter Infrastructure for a Smarter City,” download it from BAI Communications (email required).
Picture credit: Getty Images
This article is in association with BAI Communications