Bridging the Digital Divide, One City at a Time

Whether it’s from a phone, tablet, computer or the plethora of other connected devices available today, we’re constantly connected to the internet. Thus, we typically take it for granted and view it as just another utility that is available whenever we need it. So it’s surprising when we’re reminded that roughly one in five households in the United States – and half of the world’s population – still don’t have Internet access. To this point, the industry coined the term ‘digital divide’ to describe the economic and social inequality the lack of Internet and other communications creates.

Connected city solutions

Many cities around the world recognize this challenge and are looking for ways to help bridge this digital divide. Over the past few years, RUCKUS has been working closely with many partners and cities around the globe to develop ‘connected cities’ solutions capable of providing broadband Internet access to all urban citizens. We recently joined the Smart Cities Council as a lead partner to help drive smart city initiatives worldwide and create smart, sustainable cities with high quality living and high-quality jobs. ​"Fast, reliable broadband access for all is the backbone of a smart city,"​explains Jesse Berst, Chairman of the Smart Cities Council. "It's Job One. That's why we're so pleased to have RUCKUS on our side as we work with cities around the world. They have robust WiFi technology and valuable services cities can use to provide world-class connectivity to their residents, their businesses and their visitors." In addition to bridging the digital divide, RUCKUS plans to collaborate with the Council and its partners to educate cities about several additional benefits that ubiquitous broadband Internet provides.

Broadband Internet benefits for city life

• Improving quality of life for residents and visitors through connected access 24/7, including disadvantaged populations
• Creating a more vibrant city which helps drives business revenue
• Enhancing public safety by supporting other applications such as IP video
• Increasing citywide operational efficiency by supporting IoT applications which help gain insights to improve and optimize services over time

“Joining the Smart Cities Council provides us with a larger platform to educate cities about the need for a solid broadband Internet infrastructure and the benefits it provides,” said Bart Giordano of Ruckus. “It’s an honor for RUCKUS to work alongside an impressive roster of fellow technology innovators who are coming together to make cities around the world move livable, workable and sustainable.”