THE CONNECTED CITY BRIDGETOWN WI-FI

Carlyle J. RobertsRegional Head of Government Solutions

Unique Bridgetown

Capital of Barbados

Blend of Historic & Modern

Visited by George

Washington

In 2011• In June 2011: Bridgetown received the

Heritage stamp: Making it known for its preservation of history

• In July 2011: Bridgetown also became the first capital city & cruise port in the Caribbean with ubiquitous wireless broadband access: Making it known for its embrace of the present & future

Project Overview• The BCCI, BTI and the GOB are leading an extensive Initiative to

Revitalize the City of Bridgetown. This project will include: Improved security Enhanced lighting Landscaping Improved sanitation facilities Cultural and heritage activities

Wireless Internet connectivity on demand.• A Public-Private-People Partnernship team to create a low-cost

Wi-Fi zone of approx 100 public outdoor Wi-Fi access points.• Covering Bridgetown from Kensington Oval in the North to Hilton

Hotel in the south

Challenge……SolutionChallenge:• Continuously improve and upgrade the capital

city• Spread affordable broadband access for all• Make broadband available to multiple types of

devices

Solution:• Place: Bridgetown [first phase]• Technology: Wireless Broadband

Stakeholder Model

Public: Government

has invested in the project Private sector

businesses have agreed to use their premises

for locating access points

LIME invested in the technology,

expertise, management &

funding

People have partnered by

using the service

ICT Development Goals & StrategyEnabling Environment• No national policy required; Wi-Fi spectrum used• Public awareness through media & announcements• Free usage for almost 6 months

Infrastructure Development• Wireless service easy to deploy• Bridgetown represent first phase in access strategy

Services & Apps• Increased usage of smart phones for information• Access for new local-aware applications (e.g. transport)

Measuring & Managing• Cloud Solution allows for easy management • Performance is being measured and reported

– Type of devices usage– Amount of users & bandwidth utilisation– What is the killer app [most used]– Which areas are heaviest users, & peak times

• Quality monitoring of service & up-time– Link monitoring with alarms from cloud controller– Implemented as a self healing mesh

Finally1. Part of Revitalization of Bridgetown done in

partnership with BCCI, BTI, GoB & LIME2. Expanding Broadband Access for ALL in the

capital & most visited area3. Other Benefits to the City

• Increase commerce in Bridgetown • Facilitate the drive to make Bridgetown a 24/7 city • Assist Bridgetown as a historic city centre

4. Helps achieve ICT development strategy initiatives

5. Adequately monitored & measured

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Bridgetown is Officially Lit-Up for Browsing