It’s called a “smart cities framework,” the product of a collaborative effort between the Town of Chapel Hill and AT&T.

“The idea is that we’re going to explore and implement some of the offers AT&T and some of the partners have around public safety,” says AT&T spokesperson Josh Gelinas. “As well as lighting solutions, parking sensors, public venue options and public transit.”

He says Chapel Hill is one of several “spotlight cities” that will receive this framework, with special focus on Franklin Street.

“It’s an ideal location where you’ve got retail, public transit, parking and a lot going on with college students,” he says.

Gelinas says AT&T reached out to a variety of towns and Chapel Hill leaders responded.

The town and the company have partnered together on several other recent occasions too: AT&T is bringing gigabit-speed broadband to Chapel Hill, and the company is also working to provide free internet service for some of the town’s public housing communities.

Gelinas says the smart cities framework will help town staff be more informed when doing their jobs.

“Connected utility meters, street lights, water systems,” he says. “Cities are able to monitor remotely the condition of roads, bridges, buildings, parks or other venues. Maintenance crews can identify slick roadways during freezing weather or detect bridges that may need repair.”

The framework will also help residents stay informed too.

“We have mobile apps that could potentially give people information to be better prepared for real time traffic updates or a traffic light that isn’t working on your route,” he says. “You could also view parking meters and reserve spaces ahead of time.”

The “smart cities framework” isn’t running yet, but it should be up soon: Gelinas says AT&T already has a strong network in place downtown, so much of the advance work has already been done.

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