The £3 million project will have 19 smart hubs installed with further plans to extend to 30.
They will provide a variety of free services, including:
• free public WiFi so people can enjoy connectivity around Belfast City Centre;
• sensors that capture crucial data on air quality, traffic flow, and footfall that will be used to improve the environment and peoples' well-being by helping the local council, businesses, and residents understand the City better;
• free local and national calls, plus mobile phone charging and scope for mobile data offloading;
• a defibrillator allowing anyone, even without training, to save a life;
• a 999 button that connects directly to the police, fire, and medical services in case of an emergency, or if someone feels intimidated or vulnerable;
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• a free-to-use touchscreen interface to access local maps, services, facilities, and visitor information;
• and public messaging to promote the City, local services, and events.
The project will support the City's 'Smart Belfast' initiative, which brings together universities, businesses, local government, and citizens to collaborate, innovate and experiment using cutting-edge technologies and data science.
It is being completed by Pulse Smart Hub, Euro Payphone and Exterion Media UK.
A total of 11 redundant Euro-Payphone kiosks will be removed as part of the scheme and replaced with the smart hubs.
Gerry Judge, Owner, Euro-Payphone, explained the reasons behind this innovative new project: "Our existing telecommunications infrastructure is outdated, and does not provide the range of services that people who live in and visit Belfast now require. Developing multi-functional state-of-the-art 'Smart Hubs' incorporating good design and services that are free-of-charge is a public benefit and will ensure Belfast maintains its position as one of the UK's leading smart digital cities."
Patrick Fisher, CEO of Pulse Smart Hub, which has funded the project, said: "We have been working closely with local stakeholders to ensure the 'Pulse Smart Hub' network supports Belfast City Council's strategic vision for smart cities and that the benefits to the City and its residents are truly maximised and available free to all."
He added: "In the age of the Smart City, street furniture must do more to earn its place on the High Street. At no cost to the public or taxpayer, the 'Pulse Smart Hub' is the smartest of smart furniture. A network of beautifully designed and engineered hubs that provide next generation connectivity, share information, track the environment, and ultimately, save lives."
(CM/MH)
