The City of Sacramento has entered a public-private partnership with Verizon to bring smart city technologies including wi-fi and 5G connectivity on the back of “significant” infrastructure investment throughout the Sacramento community.

The agreement is designed to increase public safety, support economic development, create jobs, bolster educational opportunities for Sacramento’s youth, and advance digital equality by offering free wi-fi access in many of the city’s public parks.

In addition, the programme will deliver a more mobile and more sustainable city providing private-sector small cell infrastructure investment, technology and implementation expertise as well as streamlined permitting processes to install this technology efficiently, Verizon said.

“This partnership will serve as a critical step in upgrading our city’s infrastructure to support the newest and best technology and the economic growth that comes with that technology,” said Darrell Steinberg, mayor of Sacramento.

“It will also ensure that everyone who lives here or spends time here can experience the benefits of a safer, more mobile and more sustainable city.”

Key areas of focus that the programme will address include:

• Assisting to bridge the digital divide by providing free wi-fi access in 27 of Sacramento’s public parks;
• Supporting mayor Steinberg’s education initiatives with internships and opportunities for elementary-, middle- and high school students to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and math;
• Furthering Sacramento’s “vision zero” initiative, which focuses on reducing traffic related fatalities and severe injuries. Verizon will help the city with this initiative by improving public safety at key city intersections through technology as well as advanced signal controls to manage vehicle flow, decrease congestion, improve public transit, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Building a connected community focused on Sacramento-driven engagement with citizens and visitors with digital kiosks that include features such as wi-fi, security, wayfinding, notice boards and other key functions customised for the city.

“This partnership is critical for Sacramento’s future as a smart, connected city,” said congresswoman Doris Matsui. “This agreement will enable significant investment in the next generation of wireless infrastructure in our city and lays the foundation for enhancing the digital prosperity of our entire community.”

“Technological advances are crucial and one of the key factors to our future and economic success throughout the Greater Sacramento region,” added Barry Broome, greater Sacramento economic council president and CEO.

“This proposed partnership with Verizon will create cutting-edge technology and put Sacramento on the map as being one of the most innovative cities in the nation.”

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