Jan. 13, 2025 11:50a
(WGTD)---The stage has been set in Kenosha for the city to truly become a “smart city” in the next few years.
A $100 million, three year-long project to string cable in front of every home and business in the city is now complete.
The city’s Public Works Committee got an update from SiFi Networks Monday night.
T-Fiber and Sumo Fiber are the only services currently being offered on the network to homes and businesses.
In the near future, Kenosha is expected to launch applications to increase city services and achieve new efficiencies, according to Rich Adams, SiFi’s Chief Operating Officer. "There are so many smart city applications available," Adams said. "I don't think we've touched the surface yet. Over the next five to ten years that's when the city will start to see real benefits at very lost cost to the city to introduce smart city," he said.
The city-wide network of reliable fiber is also expected to become a selling point for new business and industry.
Erin Austin is from a group called the Smart City Infrastructure Fund. She cites an example of a smart city application. "Smart lighting is usually the first low-hanging fruit from the smart city perspective," she said. "You can dim the lights to save power."
For now, T-Fiber and Sumo Fiber are busy signing up customers for their high-speed internet service. According to Adams, over 4,500 installations have been made and 700 orders are in the pipeline.
The fiber network was installed at no cost to the city. Adams said the project came in on time and within the budget.
Si Fi is in about a dozen cities around the country.
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