The average American broadband speed has reached a record level of 55 megabits per second (mbps). Our reliance on connectivity is only going to grow, making a demand for faster and faster speeds. How could broadband speed and access help connect and build communities?
That’s exactly the question Metro Development Group asked when tasked with developing a special 7,800-acre area in Pasco County, FL. Their answer was to develop the first-ever gigabit community from the ground up. Using advanced technology and something called ULTRAFi the developer, along with the non-profit US Ignite, have flooded the area with 1,000 mbps fiber internet connectivity, quite a jump when compared to the American average of 55 mbps. These types of next-generation developments are being dubbed Gigabit Communities.
There are over a dozen existing Gigabit Communities across the US, but this one is the first developed and built from the ground up. The interconnectivity of the entire development promise new advances in education, public safety, energy, healthcare and transportation. “We expect Gigabit fiber access to help ensure economic development, quality jobs, and an excellent quality of life in Pasco County,” said William Wallace, Executive Director of US Ignite.
When the community is completed 12 million-square-feet of nonresidential properties will be connected with up to 37,000 homes. The connectivity is expected to attract innovative businesses, reduce energy costs, and increase public service. MDG says it has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the project. “Gigabit technology is transforming the business landscape around the country, and this new community will be one of Florida’s top destinations for companies looking for the advantages this connectivity can provide,” Kartik Goyani, VP of Operations and MDG said.
The race to become a connected city is now officially on. Fast Company has already begun to publish its list of the “smartest cities in North America.” In 2015 the White House announced a $160 million federal initiative to help U.S. municipalities become smart cities. But how will cities leverage this connectivity to serve the public? Cities have already adopted traffic lights that monitor traffic patterns and can automatically adjusting their timing to keep traffic flowing. Increased live monitoring could help busy commuters find parking in congested areas. With WiFi covering entire cities garbage sensors can notify city personnel when they need to be emptied. In addition to providing better public service a connected city could lower costs from infrastructure management. The speed is here, now to harness it.
