Smart Cities Dive

As the federal government readies $65 billion for broadband adoption, local leaders should make thoughtful, culturally-responsive strategies that connect all of our communities.

The World Economic Forum announced that 36 global cities will pioneer a smart technology policy roadmap as part of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance. The announcement of this roadmap came amid the global broadcast of the Smart City Expo World Congress. The alliance intends to analyze and identify model policies regarding equity, inclusivity and social impact; openness and interoperability; security and resiliency; privacy and transparency; and operational and financial sustainability.

Municial broadband initiatives across the country seem to be gaining steam as cities look to encourage equitable access — but pitfalls around cost and taxpayer risk remain. Despite many cities and counties looking to put together a municipal broadband initiative of their own, there remains strong opposition from telecom companies, as well as concerns over cost.