Communications network transforms Atlanta BeltLine into smart city corridor

The BeltLine is redefining downtown Atlanta and the neighbourhoods that surround the trail system with critical connectivity for homes, businesses, as well as infrastructure and roadways.

Communications infrastructure specialist eX² Technology has completed an advanced underground communications network that transforms a 25km stretch of the Atlanta Beltline into a smart city corridor.

The company and Atlanta BeltLine (ABL), the entity overseeing the planning and execution of the Atlanta BeltLine vision, entered into a public-private partnership to design and deploy the communications network consisting of a multi-duct and fibre optic network system.

Redevelopment programme

Atlanta BeltLine represents one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programmes in the US and its vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life.

It is redefining downtown Atlanta and the 45 in-town neighbourhoods that surround the trail system with critical connectivity for homes, businesses, roadways, schools, healthcare facilities, light poles, traffic signals, public safety infrastructure, and more.

“This is part of the city’s larger efforts to advance smart cities initiatives and maintain its ranking as one of the country’s most competitive business destinations,” says Tye Hayes, chief information officer for the City of Atlanta. “We are thrilled about the fibre optic network along the Atlanta BeltLine and what it means for bringing greater opportunity to the citizens and businesses of Atlanta.”

ABL will continue working with eX² Technology on next steps, to include developing wireless solutions along the corridor and launching a commercialisation programme to lease excess duct, dark fibre and wireless capacity along the Atlanta BeltLine.

“This initiative is part of the city’s larger efforts to advance smart cities initiatives and maintain its ranking as one of the country’s most competitive business destinations”

eX² Technology manages and maintains the communications system as well as serves as ABL’s exclusive commercialisation partner. The revenues generated through the programme are put back into the trail system to support the growth and development of new services for trail users and the downtown community.