How connectivity is shaping smart cities: The Internet of Things and its real-world impact right now

In an increasingly digital world, the right connectivity is essential for meeting the complex needs of modern businesses.

But looking beyond its application in everyday business use, connectivity is also paramount for enabling the innovative technologies powering modern smart cities.

To provide context for those who haven't followed the meteoric rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), in 2023, there were 15.9 billion IoT devices connected globally. By 2030, that figure is forecast to more than double.

As IoT extends into our every area of our lives, its impact is transforming many sectors including retail, housing and healthcare. But in a rapidly expanding digital landscape, it's easy to forget that a rock-solid network is required to act as the vital bedrock for this IoT-enabled future.

While you might recognise TalkTalk Business as a trusted provider of business-grade internet, it's also among the organisations leveraging advanced connectivity and digital infrastructure to enable the intelligent systems we see in smart cities.

So how are providers like TalkTalk Business helping power the smart city revolution?

With urban populations continuing to rise, city authorities, public-sector bodies and private-sector partners are turning to technology to help them solve unprecedented challenges. 

AndTalkTalk Business is seeing a growing number of requests from organisations like these to help them solutionise these challenges.

At the heart of the smart city landscape, it has seen increased demand for connectivity that powers real-time data transfer, automation and continuous low-latency communications.

This enables smart technology to transform urban environments, making national and regional infrastructure more efficient with sophisticated digital solutions that enhance citizens' quality of life.

TalkTalk Business doesn't do this alone. It partners with IoT specialists Pangea, to offer robust cellular solutions that support the growing number of businesses with IoT ambitions. And it's the 'always-on' nature of cellular connectivity that makes Pangea's offering so unique and lets these applications thrive – supporting both businesses and public sector initiatives.

For businesses, IoT enhances efficiency and innovation, while in smart cities it powers essential public infrastructure in increasingly sophisticated ways, with the potential to not only improve lives, but to protect and save them.

Take traffic management in urban environments: IoT technology can capture actionable data that can be used to ease congestion and optimise traffic flow. But it can also be utilised to detect and respond to potential hazards before they occur.

For example, smart sensors could eventually prevent incidents like the recent collision between a tram and a double decker bus in Manchester, where lives were at risk and critical services disrupted. Backed by robust and flexible connectivity, advancements in IoT can deliver safer, more resilient futures.

Another area where IoT can deliver vital benefits is in the rented accommodation sector.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Good Landlord Charter was launched in July and is part of the region's vision to raise living standards in rented accommodation.

This initiative is particularly urgent in light of Awaab's Law, introduced following the tragic death of a young child from prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home.

IoT-enabled solutions can play a crucial role here, using smart sensors to monitor factors like humidity and air quality in real-time. This technology can help improve standards nationwide, providing actionable insights to address problems before they escalate.

TalkTalk Business is already in discussions with several UK housing authorities about how to implement smart sensors to improve living conditions in this sector.

Elsewhere, IoT is reshaping essential public and private services, including in emergency response and healthcare, where delays can have devastating consequences.

Pangea has developed and successfully trialled 5G video stream technology to connect paramedics with doctors at hospital to examine patients remotely and relay instructions.

Here, the reliability and speed of cellular connectivity is key to making it as effective as possible while helping cut triage times, save lives and reduce costs.

Meanwhile, in hospitals, smart CCTV can give staff live information on patient distribution and predict future room requirements. IoT technology can also be used to monitor equipment and keep track of the temperatures of fridges and freezers containing medications, vaccines and biological samples.

Smart technology is having a similar impact on the retail sector, where IoT allows operators to focus on running their stores.

A top priority for retailers is delivering exceptional customer experiences. With IoT technology, innovative retailers can introduce features like till-free shopping, creating seamless and enjoyable experiences for customers.

IoT also supports smart stock management systems, allowing retailers to align inventory with demands in real-time so shelves are stocked with the products customers want.

And these examples underscore the critical role of stable connectivity. Even a few minutes of connectivity downtime can interrupt transactions or affect stock management – a risk that can be costly in an industry operating on tight margins.

IoT is fast becoming central to how modern cities operate and respond to citizens' needs. And given the sheer volume of the devices required to realise an IoT-powered future, it's easy to see the role of connectivity in driving these transformations.

Dan Cunliffe, managing director of Pangea says: 'IoT solutions are truly transformational, but their effectiveness relies entirely on the connectivity that supports them.

'Cellular IoT connectivity, in particular, stands out as one of the most versatile and powerful technologies, enabling these solutions to address some of society's most pressing challenges.'

From improving living conditions to enhancing efficiency in healthcare and retail, IoT is becoming indispensable in smart cities. And the myriad benefits of IoT – like streamlined operations, data-driven decision-making and enhanced safety and security measures – are increasingly filtering down to the business world.

As this trend continues, having the right connectivity in place is critical in ensuring seamless business operations in a digitally-driven future. 

And it's reassuring that connectivity providers like TalkTalk Business, alongside specialists like Pangea, are working at the forefront of this space, helping meet today's demands while also laying the foundations for the innovations of tomorrow.

> Find out how TalkTalk Business could help your business become better connected