Carrier plans an 8-city IoT education tour
WASHINGTON – Verizon Enterprise Solutions announced it will expand its foray into smart city and smart agriculture technology as part of the vaunted “Internet of Things” revolution.
The carrier’s push into IoT makes business sense as many analysts predicted connected objects and machines will become a multitrillion-dollar industry over the next several years. Verizon’s efforts include new partnerships with the Smart Cities Council as well as Thrive Accelerator, which promotes smart farming; Verizon will also be a strategic partner in Forbes’ upcoming AgTech Summit, which focuses on smart agriculture.
“With limited resources, municipal leaders are being tasked with finding ways to make their communities more efficient,” said Dan Feldman, director of IoT Smart Cities at Verizon. “Towns and cities can start with projects like energy-efficient smart streetlights, car sharing and smart parking. The cost savings and revenue from those projects can then be used to help fund bigger projects, including tackling pollution and upgrading transit infrastructure.”
Verizon is already touting its smart-grid technology partnership with Duke Energy as having successfully saved Charlotte, N.C., $10 million through a 8.4% reduction in energy consumption.
Verizon plans to send experts on a cross-country tour to demonstrate the impact IoT can play on local communities, according to a statement. Cities included on the tour are Boston; New York; Tampa, Fla.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Phoenix; and San Jose, Calif.
Verizon reps said the keynote speakers on this eight-city tour will include Jennifer Belissent of Forrester Analyst; Daniel Burns, a futurist, technology strategist and trends forecaster; and Ruthbea Yesner Clarke, research director and smart cities strategist for IDC.
