Lumen Technologies is working with partners AustinGIS and Sky Packets to create new paths to improving the quality of life for city residents.
AustinGIS, a pioneer of smart infrastructure-as-a-service (SIaaS), and Sky Packets, an innovator in last-mile connectivity solutions, announced a strategic partnership with telecom industry disruptor Lumen, whose global network powers metro connectivity and long-haul data transport.
The concept of a smart city is around improving quality of life by bringing next-generation technology to residents. Smart cities need sensors and endpoints in an urban center to manage assets and resources efficiently. Ultimately, smart cities need a great network to carry all that data.
Sara Seegers, national VP, Indirect Partner Channel at Lumen, said: “Smart cities will bring next-generation advancements to a community, and they need a strong network foundation to support their data-driven future.
“Our Lumen partnership draws on an innovative portfolio to deliver increased network security, performance and control. Working together, we are ready and excited to work toward our goal of bringing results that will be even better than what customers expect and improve residents’ connections to local government services that are so important.”
AustinGIS understands the criticality of delivering edge-centric applications coupled with a cost-effective subscription model.
Anupam Srivastava, CEO of AustinGIS, said: “Smart city deployments are delayed because of inefficient technology, lack of execution expertise, or too much upfront capital investment.
“AustinGIS has a proven track record for making smart cities a reality thanks to our technology, partnerships and expertise in financing. For example, our modular platform supports both near- and far-edge deployments coupled with a data feedback loop that delivers continuous AI improvement. With our outcome-based pricing, there is no capital outlay required as the cost is based on the number of deployed endpoints. Now, by incorporating Lumen’s high-performance network into the mix we are changing the game for smart city feasibility.”
Recently, in Mexico City, AustinGIS and Sky Packets came together to help reduce crime by employing the AustinGIS smart city edge platform and endpoints with the Sky Packets wireless network.
Henry Quintin, CEO, and co-founder of Sky Packets, said: “AustinGIS and Sky Packets are now working with Lumen to replicate our successes, such as our Mexico City project, into new markets.
“In Mexico, together we deployed state-of-the-art security cameras with edge compute services which reduced crime by 40% in six months, and increased citizen perception of safety by 70%. Now, we are working with Lumen to utilise their technology to drive mission critical, AI applications for faster throughput at a feasible price point for any municipality.”
Under the partnership agreement, these companies will bring more power to metropolitan residents with the latest in edge computing, AI technology, fast connections, secure applications, and an outcome-based pricing structure for improving city services and citizen engagement across metropolitan centers.
There is no lack of investment for smart cities, but inefficient technology is causing delays. The 2021 U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earmarked billions for connectivity initiatives, including smart cities. According to U.S. Ignite, this funding could support advanced smart city principles and technology. Despite this massive investment, smart city deployments are delayed because of inefficient technology, lack of execution expertise, or too much upfront capital investment.
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