Welcome back to the 2018 AT&T Business Summit! I’m Dez Blanchfield, and today I have the pleasure of being joined by Chris Penrose, president of AT&T Business IoT. In our conversation, we delved into the exciting developments in the IoT space and how they are impacting first responders and public safety. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:
IoT and First Responders
- AT&T is honored to be building out FirstNet, a dedicated network for first responders, which is opening up a multitude of IoT use cases.
- By connecting city infrastructure and utilising sensors on light poles, AT&T is enabling capabilities such as controlling traffic flow and detecting gunshot incidents in real-time, ultimately aiding first responders in their critical missions.
Data Processing and Analytics
- While some IoT sensors may be relatively “dumb” in terms of intelligence, the data they collect is processed and analyzed at the back end to derive valuable insights and drive the right outcomes.
- The ability to understand the immediate data needs and merge different data sets enhances the power of IoT and drives amazing outcomes.
IoT for First Responders
- Emerging technologies such as low-power wide-area networks are revolutionising the wearable space for first responders, allowing for longer battery life and smaller device sizes.
- Use cases include seamlessly integrating sensors with firearms to automatically activate cameras and monitoring firefighters’ vital signs in real-time to ensure their safety during emergency situations.
Drones in Public Safety
- AT&T has deployed drones for various purposes, including providing immediate cell coverage in areas with limited connectivity and using drones as the first line of defence in dangerous situations.
- Drones are being leveraged to assess flood zones, identify entry and exit points in fire situations, and reduce the risk to human lives in hazardous environments.
Predictive Analysis in IoT
- The future of IoT lies in predictive analysis, where artificial intelligence and machine learning will be used to predict and preempt events such as the spread of fires, leveraging data from smart sensors and drones to unlock the true benefits of IoT.
As we wrap up our conversation, it’s clear that the IoT landscape is evolving rapidly, with the potential to transform public safety and first responder operations. Thank you, Chris Penrose, for sharing your insights and shedding light on the exciting developments in the AT&T Business IoT world.
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2018 AT&T Business Summit as we continue to explore the future of IoT and its impact on various industries. Thank you for joining us!
