The committee’s mission extends beyond mere technological advocacy. It actively engages in fostering a supportive ecosystem for smart city initiatives by developing comprehensive guidelines for FTTX deployment and promoting innovative applications for a wide range of urban environments.

This month, the newsletter highlights key advancements in smart city technologies from across the globe:

• Smart Mobility & AI: The Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract to deploy Iteris’s ClearGuide intelligent transportation software to manage traffic and reduce congestion. Milestone Systems launched its AI traffic management platform in Genoa, Italy, to create smarter cities using compliant video data and Vision Language Models (VLMs). Austin is also progressing plans to transform transit hubs to enhance walkability and affordability.
• Smart Connectivity: The City of Istres, France, has deployed a private 5G network with Ericsson for public safety and critical communications, demonstrating a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber installation for surveillance cameras. In Luxembourg, the EU-funded SmartSpires initiative is deploying “smart towers” with 5G, edge computing, and IoT sensors to enable real-time urban services. Seattle is also installing interactive digital kiosks to provide wayfinding and transit information.
• Smart Infrastructure: In Greece, Hedno is modernizing its electric grid with Itron’s advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and meter data management (MDM) solutions for enhanced customer service and operational efficiency. Fort Worth, Texas, is installing 3,400 solar-powered streetlights to improve safety and save over $3 million annually. Auckland is transforming its largest waste transfer station into a resource recovery park focused on reusing and recovering materials.

The committee unequivocally emphasizes the indispensable role of optical fiber in powering the data-intensive demands of modern smart cities. As the essential foundation, fiber ensures the robust, high-speed, and reliable connectivity crucial for innovations like real-time traffic monitoring in Dubai, AI-powered safety systems, and integrated smart infrastructure with edge computing. It underpins the seamless data exchange vital for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and digital inclusion—truly empowering the smart city solutions highlighted in this newsletter.

In essence, the Smart City Committee within the Fiberconnect Council MENA catalyzes innovation, driving the development of sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric smart cities across the Middle East and North Africa.

Regards,
Dr. Houssam Al Masri, Committee Chair