Jerusalem to become a smarter city

The Communications Ministry approved the installation of a new technology in Jerusalem, catapulting it to one of the world’s most hi-tech cities. 

Jerusalem will be the first Israeli city to install cutting-edge technology, it was announced Thursday. City officials believe the move will catapult Jerusalem to one of the world’s most advanced cities.

“This new initiative will position us alongside the world’s leading smart cities,” said Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.  “We are bringing the most advanced technological innovations to one of the most ancient cities in the world. Jerusalem will be the first city in all of Israel to introduce this innovative technology, which will enable us to upgrade many services for our residents.”

Within the next three months, new technology based on millimeter waves will be installed, instantly upgrading the city’s high speed transmissions, which serve as the basis for camera networks, security, and emergency services. As part of this unique, advanced security system, the city will see everything that occurs in real time, letting it deploy forces more effectively.

In addition, the new system will save the city significant sums of money, as it enables smart street lighting and free Wi-Fi service throughout the city.

City officials praised the move. “This is a significant technological breakthrough in smart city applications,” said Eitan Barzilay, who heads the city’s committee for Business, Economic, and Technological development. The Jerusalem Municipality is adopting an innovative technology, that has proven itself around the world, to build a communication infrastructure for a smart and safe city.

By Tzvi Lev, World Israel News