Cellular technology

The provision of mobile coverage is increasingly becoming the concern of the local authority.

Mobile coverage is now an expectation,  not an aspiration and as such authorities are recognising a growing need to manage the burgeoning communications infrastructure themselves. 

But this has its logistical difficulties. Authorities have to manage the demands of operators who require sites particularly in built-up or sensitive areas and dealing with planning permissions for new equipment which can be a lengthy struggle. And in areas of historic interest, it's vital that networking equipment doesn't detract from surroundings.

With Arqiva's CityCell solution, you can overcome all of these obstacles.

WiFi and IP technology

The UK government and the European Union have allocated considerable funds and commitment to improving local government communications and how it interacts with its citizens, particularly those that are socially disadvantaged or on the wrong side of the digital divide. This funding is distributed via central government funding to local authorities, regional development agencies, and public transport executive subsidies.

One of the key ways identified of achieving local government transformation is through the development of a wide range of innovative applications and services across the city boundaries and delivered via broadband wireless networks.

Local Authorities across the UK are constantly looking to confirm their community's position at the forefront of the online digital revolution. As the percentage of mobile workers increases and wireless enabled PCs, PDAs, mobile phones and other devices flood the market, councils are recognising that ubiquitous wireless connectivity is increasingly required for economic development and public sector service delivery.

The most commonly acknowledged drivers for wireless city deployments are:

• Ubiquitous access to information - on tap connectivity across the city
• Transformation of public services - shared public service delivery into the field
• Economic competitiveness and business growth - the creation of ‘smart' cities

A wireless city is defined as a wireless IP network providing contiguous or zonal coverage for use by the city council and other public and private sector organisations.  The benefits of these wireless networks include:

• Competitive advantage for cities offering modern digital infrastructure
• More cost effective delivery of broadband connectivity for council applications and citizen access
• Cost savings
• Enhanced application efficiencies and synergies
• Improved customer services
• Better mobility
• Revenue generating opportunities