Increasing connectivity the focus of Portsmouth’s ‘smart city’ project

By: Tamara Scott

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/portsmouth/increasing-internet-connectivity-the-focus-of-portsmouth-s-smart-city-project/1355070765

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Officials in Portsmouth are looking to take the city into the digital age.

Earlier this week, officials announced the development of a study to get feedback on the broadband needs throughout the city. It’s part of plans to make Portsmouth a “smart city.”

According to the city, this broadband project encompasses 55 miles of state-of-the-art fiber optics designed to increase connectivity.

“The essence of a smart city, the foundation, is connectivity,” said Chief Information Officer Daniel Jones.

Jones said the study will help determine what exactly is needed for the project.

“A connectivity study will provide the data and the analytics that we need to assess as to what barrier technology, connectivity wise, that our citizens and businesses currently need,” Jones said.

Jasmine Thompson, a marketing and sales coordinator for SimIS, said connectivity keeps their business going.

“A company like SimIS, which is a modeling and simulation company, we rely heavily on the internet to produce most of the products that we currently have for Department of Homeland Security and the Marine Corps,” said Thompson.

The study does not affect the construction of the new fiber optics network, but it will give city leaders a better sense of what areas need it the most.

Jones said the study will begin in a few weeks, with consultants surveying households and businesses throughout the entire city. He expects the study to be completed by the end of the year.