The Importance of Building Smart Cities and the ‘Internet of Things’

Being connected to the wider world has never been easier as access to high speed broadband internet continues to expand and become widely available across the country.

By embracing IoT technology, developers can work to create nationalised networked cities and bring "smart cities" into reality throughout Australia – something that residents are actively looking for when purchasing their future homes, and a unique selling point developers can use to secure buyers for their new projects.

At its core, IoT revolves around internet networks (like the nbn™ broadband access network) that connect smart objects and the technologies that facilitate these connections – with both working together to create living environments where every element of the home, from cleaning to security, is made easier through a network connection.

According to nbn, the market in Australia for IoT technologies is predicted to create a $4 billion industry by the year 2020 – a statistic backed up by the gathering speed of the nbn™ roll-out that now has more than half a million new premises ready to connect. However, the IoT is also poised to completely re-imagine traditional Australian cities into "smart cities".

What are the benefits of developing ‘smart cities’?

Just as we connect to devices in our home, connected cities emerge and thrive when IoT technologies are applied across entire metropolitan areas – small or large.

Smart cities are a way to further increase safety of residents, grow connectedness and harbour a cohesive and productive community.

When developing new projects, the development industry should be looking to integrate new IoT technologies to ensure that all residents are reaping the benefits that come from seamlessly connecting every aspect of their digital life – from "smart" heating, lighting and security to online grocery shopping and entertainment.

However, on a larger metropolitan scale, IoT technology can be used to create smart cities that solve a number of problems for both urban planners and developers – including, environmental safety, waste management, transportation and planning – working to positively impact the way society operates.

Networks like the nbn™ access network are helping to make the concept of "smart cities" a reality – from using IoT technologies and infrastructure to help manage traffic lights, monitoring rubbish bins, creating self-driving cars and offering better security options.

Already paving the way toward smart cities is Adelaide, a city that has brought entrepreneurial universities, City Council and State Government together to harness the power of the nbn™ access network to potentially create one of the most digitally-connected cities in the world.

Just a fraction of what is being envisioned in Adelaide is the creation of buildings equipped with weather monitoring systems that connect directly to air-conditioning systems to control indoor temperatures, and a service that will allow people walking home alone at night to order a drone to light the path ahead of them while monitoring their safety.

These innovative technologies are creating a city that is on the forefront of the digital revolution – powered by the rollout of the nbn™ access network and the use of new infrastructure developed to help create urban areas that are future proofed and ready for the implementation of crucial new technology.

As technology continues to progress at an unprecedented rate, by creating urban spaces and developments that incorporate the newest technologies and connections developers are both pioneering the way of the future, while delivering projects that will still be relevant in 10-20 years when society has transformed.

A connected city’s potential lies in the opportunity to innovate and create exciting new solutions aided by technology.

nbn is the only government-backed wholesaler that is striving to connect Australia to a fast, reliable broadband network and help bridge the digital divide.

By working together with nbn to deliver nbn™ ready developments, the development industry is working to create the future smart cities of Australia, and building communities that harbour societal growth while allowing residents to thrive.

In a modern world where Australians increasingly seek a lifestyle fuelled by the benefits of access to fast broadband, nbn helps offer the opportunity for developers to allow residents to be more productive, creative and efficient in their own homes and cities.

Is your development nbn™ ready? Developers can get nbn™ ready by planning early and applying at least 6 months before their service date. See important factors to consider before submitting a new application here.

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