Hybrid Streetlight and Cell Tower Unveiled in Hollywood
If you’re frustrated with spotty cell phone coverage in Los Angeles, some relief is on the way in the form of new streetlights that also serve as cell towers.
The first “SmartPole” streetlight was installed Thursday on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood.
The technology, which was developed locally, relies on broadband coverage and integrates Ericsson 4G LTE wireless cell technology into standard street lights. It is expected to improve local cell phone coverage especially in heavily populated areas, according to city officials. Los Angeles is the first city to use the technology.
“L.A. is a world leader in LED street lights and has more poles than any other city in America,” said L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement. “We are now taking advantage of previously untapped real estate to give our streets better broadband connectivity and future-ready infrastructure, while generating revenue for the city.”
The SmartPoles will be managed remotely by Philips’ software at no cost to taxpayers, according to Garcetti’s office.
The streetlight is the first of 100 to be installed across the city. Five hundred additional poles are expected to be added over the next four years.
Garcetti’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
No comments:
Post a Comment