Creating a smart city with streetlight data networks

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City of Mesa, Arizona, the US

The City of Mesa worked with Signify to transform the existing streetlight network into a platform for broadband connectivity, helping to bridge the digital divide and future-proof the city.

"We’re excited about the prospect of using Signify’s new BrightSites solution as part of our efforts to get broadband to the City’s underserved neighborhoods. The first project is already an integral part of our Smart City program in Downtown Mesa, feeding gigabit service to public Wi-Fi right outside a state building where public assistance is distributed."

Harry Meier, Deputy CIO for Innovation, City of Mesa

The Opportunity

For the City of Mesa, Arizona access to the internet is as essential as other utility services such as water, gas or electricity. As the third-largest city in the state, Mesa is heavily invested in bringing innovative technologies and solutions to bridge the digital divide and future-proof the city so that its citizens are more engaged and have access to better education, economic, and entertainment opportunities.

The Solution

The City of Mesa and Signify BrightSites have worked together to build the first Smart City project in downtown Mesa. Signify’s solution provides backhaul through existing light fixtures to support public Wi-Fi and CCTV cameras in close proximity to a public service building. Additional possibilities are being explored to connect underserved neighbourhoods across the city.