San Diego to Deploy World’s Largest Smart City

“America’s Finest City” is also becoming the smartest. The City of San Diego recently announced a $30 million investment to deploy the world’s largest smart city IoT sensor platform in partnership with Current, powered by GE. Transforming 3,200 street lights into a connected digital infrastructure, San Diego will collect real-time sensor data across the city that can be used to develop applications that benefit the community. From directing drivers to open parking spaces to help first responders during an emergency, the open data platform offers limitless opportunities to increase safety, optimize municipal systems and create real-time environmental awareness.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said that fostering innovation and improving infrastructure are important to enhancing the lives of all San Diegans. “This new technology will give the City and developers the opportunity to make our neighbors safer and smarter,” added Faulconer.

In addition to the intelligent sensor installation, approximately 25 percent of San Diego’s outdoor lights will be upgraded as part of the solution. Current will install 14,000 new LED fixtures across the city, which is expected to save San Diego an estimated $2.4 million per year in energy costs.

Current is working with AT&T, Intel, ShotSpotter, CivicSmart and Proximetry to deploy the intelligent network across the city. AT&T is the wireless data carrier for the project. All the sensors used will be powered by the AT&T LTE network, providing the secure, reliable connectivity that cities need to become smarter, safer and more sustainable.

David Graham, San Diego Chief Deputy Officer, added that, “We’re making the future a reality in San Diego. Our city is home to an incredible group of leaders, thinkers and innovators who can be proud of the strides we are making toward tomorrow.”

Installation of the intelligent sensor platform and new LED fixtures is expected to begin in July.