British telecom giant Virgin Media has teamed up with the Chiltern District Council to install the UK's first ever 'smart pavement' in the market town of Chesham in Buckinghamshire. The system uses access points hidden under the pavement to provide broadband WiFi to residents, businesses and visitors to the town center.
The Smart Pavement's WiFi access points are embedded in waterproof manholes with resin covers or hidden in street furniture. Each access point has a range of over 80 meters, while the WiFi service can be accessed by Virgin Media consumers via an app.
The Smart Pavements are just the start of a wider series of Virgin Media initiatives that are designed to improve connectivity outside the home and reduce cellphone data bills.
WiFi-Beaming Sidewalks
The Smart Pavement Beams WiFi Signals To Pedestrians
Trend Themes
1. Smart Pavements - The development of smart pavements presents opportunities for integrating technology into urban infrastructure and enhancing connectivity for residents and businesses.
2. Wifi-enabled Street Furniture - The integration of WiFi access points within street furniture provides an innovative solution for expanding internet connectivity in public spaces while blending with the urban environment.
3. Connectivity Enhancements - The demand for improved connectivity outside the home creates opportunities for companies to develop innovative solutions like WiFi-beaming sidewalks to address this need.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Telecommunications companies can capitalize on smart pavement technology to offer enhanced connectivity solutions and broaden their service offerings.
2. Urban Infrastructure - The development and implementation of smart pavements contribute to advancements in urban infrastructure, creating opportunities for urban planning and technology integration firms.
3. Street Furniture Manufacturing - The integration of WiFi access points within street furniture calls for collaboration between technology companies and street furniture manufacturers to develop innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions.