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LA’s smart streetlights to offer wi-fi

One hundred new "smart" streetlights will be coming to Los Angeles, each with 4G wireless internet and energy-efficient LED lighting.

The "SmartPoles" were created by electronics companies Philips and Ericsson and they aim to provide "high quality public lighting that is energy efficient and offers improved network performance in dense urban areas."

The lights can be controlled remotely and each unit can tell engineers how much energy it is consuming.

Philips notes that "better lit streets contribute to safer streets, less accidents and deter crime while connected management of street lighting reduces further the amount of energy used and simplifies maintenance."

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, said: "We are now taking advantage of previously untapped real estate to give our streets better broadband connectivity and future-ready infrastructure, while generating revenue for the city.

"This project shows what smart infrastructure can do for Los Angeles: create jobs, save tax payer dollars, and improve our environment."

Arun Bansal, Ericsson Senior Vice President, said: "LA will be a role model for other smart cities that place sustainability and connectivity high on their agenda."

Images via Philips

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