A growing number of cities are incorporating wireless connectivity into their plans for a “smart” future, but this doesn’t mean that companies are off the hook when it comes to optimizing their own workplace networks.
As the “fourth industrial revolution” continues to unfold, technologies from artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to 3D printing and quantum computing are becoming an increasingly large part of our everyday lives. This revolution has coincided with an increasing drive to reduce our consumption of natural resources in many parts of the world, producing the rise of “smart cities” that are as tech-forward as they are sustainable.
Different experts have different opinions regarding the threshold a city must clear in order to be considered “smart,” but things like good public transportation and mobility (read: minimal traffic) and efficient energy use are frequently cited as must-haves. Interestingly, though, the 2017 Smart Cities Index also specifically argues that smart cities “should be digitalized first and foremost — with 4G, plentiful WiFi hotspots, and high smartphone usage.” With that criteria in mind, here are some of the cities that offer the best wireless connectivity in the world.
Melbourne, Australia
When it comes to 4G LTE coverage, Melbourne is the undisputed champion, receiving the Smart Cities Index’s only perfect 10.0 for mobile download speed. Interestingly, two other Australian cities — Sydney and Perth — round out the top three in this category. Indeed, according to the October 2017 Speedtest Global Index, the nation of Australia as a whole enjoys mobile internet download speeds of 47.49 mbps; for comparison, the United States recorded a mere 25.16 mbps in the October test.
Hong Kong, China, and Macau, China
Though technically two distinct cities, Hong Kong and Macau are both part of the Yuegang’ao Greater Bay Area, a megacity surrounding the Zhujiang Delta. Hong Kong and Macau are highly-developed, futuristic cities, and both offer a wealth of free WiFi networks to residents and visitors. In Hong Kong, the GovWiFi network provides connectivity at most of the city’s parks, libraries, public buildings, and ferry terminals, and the MTR WiFi network offers five free 15-minute sessions per device per day to riders of the city’s extensive metro system. Similarly, Macau’s WiFiGo service provides free internet access to over 150 hotspots from 8-1am every day.
Florence, Italy
These days, what’s the point of traveling somewhere if you can’t upload the selfies you took there to prove it? Florence has accepted that a picture of its renowned Loggia dei Lanzi outdoor sculpture gallery is nothing without a landslide of likes on social media. That’s part of the reason why the city now includes 72 hours of access to an extensive network of WiFi hotspots with its multi-museum and public transport Firenze Card.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan has taken a similarly visitor-friendly approach to WiFi connectivity, creating a network of more than 5,000 hotspots across the island that travelers can use free of charge for 30 days. The capital, Taipei, has hundreds of these hotspots, all of which are documented in a zoomable map that users can access via their smartphones.
The Importance of a Strong Corporate Network
Living in a city with exemplary wireless connectivity can make life a whole lot easier for the average citizen, but businesses have a responsibility to optimize connectivity in the workplace regardless of where they’re located. The growth and productivity of every enterprise depends upon a secure, efficient network, and no city-managed wireless infrastructure enough to meet the demands of a fast-paced corporate machine on its own.
As such, companies looking to improve their connectivity often choose to rely on an expert networking partner like Turn-key Technologies. We have over 25 years of experience helping companies achieve fast, reliable, and secure internet connections, and can help any company optimize its corporate network, whether it’s based in a bustling metropolis or a small town.