WeLink: How to drive digital transformation in the public sector without digging up streets #techUKDigitalPS

Digital transformation is changing the way we live and work in previously unimaginable ways and the public sector is no exception. The use of technology can help to improve public services, increase efficiency and reduce costs. We believe 60GHz Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a key technology that has a vital role to play in driving this transformation. It can be the catalyst for change.

60GHz FWA can provide carrier-grade, gigabit internet access to fixed locations such as homes, businesses and public sector buildings in places across the UK. While 5G faces significant planning issues and other complexities that are delaying rollout timescales, 60GHz FWA is a cost-effective, quick-to-deploy alternative to traditional fibre broadband.

Here are five takeaways about how this cutting-edge technology can accelerate digital transformation in the public sector:

1.     We can finally tackle digital exclusion

One of the biggest challenges facing the public sector is bridging the digital divide – the gap between those who have access to high-speed internet and those who do not. FWA can help to overcome this challenge by providing high-speed internet access to areas not currently served by wired broadband solutions.

This is particularly important for public sector organisations such as NHS providers, schools, libraries and community centres, which need reliable internet access to provide vital resources and other services to their communities.

2.     We can make the most of remote work opportunities

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of remote work for the public sector. FWA can provide a reliable, secure internet connection at gigabit speeds to remote workers, enabling them to work from home or other remote locations. This can help to increase productivity, drive innovation and reduce costs associated with traditional office spaces.

3.     We can help people feel a greater sense of security

We all want to live and work in safe communities and FWA can play a significant role in improving public safety. For example, high-speed internet access can support the deployment of smart city technologies such as traffic cameras, public safety cameras and crime detection systems. These technologies can help to reduce crime and improve emergency response times.

4.     Data analytics can actually improve public spending

Data analytics is an increasingly important tool for the public sector. FWA can provide the high-speed connectivity needed to support data-intensive applications such as predictive analytics and machine learning. This can help public sector organisations to make better decisions, optimise services and improve efficiency.

5.     We can enable smart cities where nobody is stuck in traffic

Imagine a future where buses and trains run on time. With smart city initiatives becoming increasingly popular in the public sector, this could become a reality. FWA can provide the high-speed connectivity needed to support smart city technologies such as real-time travel information, autonomous vehicles, connected infrastructure and public Wi-Fi networks. These technologies can help to improve transportation, reduce energy usage and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses.

In summary, 60GHz FWA is set to play a significant role in accelerating digital transformation in the public sector. By providing carrier-grade, gigabit internet access to fixed locations, 60GHz FWA can help to bridge the digital divide, support remote work, improve public safety, enhance data analytics, and enable smart city initiatives. As public sector organisations continue to adopt new technologies to improve services, 60GHz FWA is likely to become an increasingly important part of their digital transformation strategies.

According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the adoption of wireless technology can improve public services and encourage investment in places. The department wants local and regional authorities to make the case for setting up wireless network services. As a specialist provider, we are here to help.

This article was written by Natalie Duffield, CEO, WeLink. Natalie is responsible for one of the biggest deployments of free Wi-Fi in the UK via IntechnologySmartCities, attracting more than 1.5m registered users. She has also overseen the deployment of one of the UK’s biggest IoT networks in Coventry and robust public Wi-Fi networks in towns and cities across the UK. Natalie is an active member of the techUK industry group and earlier this year was reappointed as vice chair of its Local Public Services Committee, which works closely with local authorities across the UK. To learn more about Natalie, please visit their Twitter.

To learn more about WeLink, please visit their LinkedIn and Facebook.

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