Calculating the Hidden Cost of Gearing Up for Smart Cities

 

Keypoints:

  • Cities have started using smart tech to collect data.
  • Sensors and voice activation detects things such as traffic congestion.
  • Smart cities allow congestion to be rerouted via retimed traffic lights.

Commentary:

Cities at large have been starting to utilize technologies, such as voice activation and sensors that collect data to support their push toward transitioning toward being a smart city. Everything has a cost, though, especially when it comes to new technology for a whole municipality, and there’s an added cost as well within integrating a lot of these technologies. So we asked Steve Mazur, Business Development Director for Government Sectors, at Digi International, where most U.S. cities are facing some of this funding and rollout challenge with their innovative smart tech and why.

Abridged Thoughts:

One challenge is city sponsorship. I have seen some projects fall flat where the sponsorship for the project is not one of the operating departments within the city. Sometimes, a special committee is formed to assess the technology, which doesn’t have the support going forward after completion. But, there are many successful smart city projects. I can cite a few, especially in smart traffic, where city sensors are used to detect congestion around the city, and then traffic lights are then retimed to avoid those traffic-congested areas. Also, another good example is connected street lights. LEDs have now been deployed throughout cities across the United States, and they’re all connected via wireless communications. 

More Like This Story:

Why Does the US Rank so Low in Smart Cities

How Can Smart Cities Elevate Cybersecurity Efforts?

How Smart Cities Will Benefit from New FAA Drone Rules

Stay tuned to MarketScale for more videos, podcasts, and thought leadership surrounding the future of the policy framework and technology integrations that will be powering the smart cities of tomorrow.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

SPD
The SPD Hack Playbook: Streamlining Sterile Processing with Smart Tech and Team Buy-In
October 22, 2025

Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) are the unsung backbone of surgical care — ensuring every instrument, tray, and tool is safe, sterile, and ready when needed. Yet, despite their vital role, SPD workflows often rely on manual processes and underrecognized best practices. As healthcare systems push for greater efficiency and staff well-being, SPD managers are turning…

Read More
energy
Solar + Storage: Your Defense Against Rising Energy Costs
October 21, 2025

Homeowners should consider their energy security as utility rates are increasing about 5% annually, outpacing inflation, and grid demand is rising due to AI data centers. There is a time-sensitive incentive to act, as federal tax credits for owning a solar system require the project to be completed by December 31st of this…

Read More
Investment
Business Investment in Solar and Battery Storage
October 21, 2025

Commercial and industrial electrical rates are rising, and this trend is expected to accelerate due to the massive energy demands from new data centers supporting the AI industry. For example, the Texas electrical grid is projected to need to double its capacity by 2030 to meet this new demand. This significant capital investment…

Read More
cardiovascular
Technology Is Transforming Cardiovascular Care But Can Access Keep Up?
October 21, 2025

Cardiovascular care is entering one of its most transformative periods in decades. Advances in AI imaging and minimally invasive procedures are transforming the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2022, representing approximately 32% of all global deaths. This…

Read More