City Manager Skip Noe said, "being a Digital Community allows us to think broadly about technology and the transformation it can make for government and individuals. Wi-Fi is an amazing technology with multiple facets. This is a unique opportunity to improve service for our customers and end up with a resource the entire community can benefit from. Wi-Fi is creating endless possibilities for economic development and improved cost service in Corpus Christi."
Corpus Christi is deploying innovative solutions under a large wireless network that will soon span 147 square miles. The city expects to significantly benefit from mobile solutions, given 70 percent of its employees work in the field. Three of the deployed solutions focus on vehicle location, video surveillance and building inspection. SAP developed a vehicle location tool which allows the city to track vehicles more affordably, dispatch work crews more efficiently, and ensure the safety of its first responders. IBM equipped police cars with the capability for streaming video, providing the tools for better decision-making regarding incident response and documentation of violators at crime scenes. Dell outfitted the development services department with a solution to re-engineer building inspectors' work processes with the ability to update permit data from construction sites.
On a significant project, the mobile and wireless solution reduced the overall inspection cycle by up to six days, improving accuracy and efficiency, which benefits the business community. Because of the real-time data entry that is now possible during inspections, contractors can readily access their inspection results online or by phone, which is a significant improvement for business.
"As wireless technology continues to evolve, local governments are seizing the opportunity to address critical issues in their community including equal and affordable access to broadband and more efficient and effective government services," said Anand Chandrasekher, vice president and director, Intel Sales and Marketing Group. "We are working closely with these communities to help them take the next step and harness the benefits of wireless technology. The benefits include lower cost of operations, enhanced public safety and security, and a foundation for growth and competitiveness."
Corpus Christi is joined by Cleveland, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Taipei, Taiwan; Portland, Oregon; Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Duesseldorf, Germany; Gyor, Hungary; Jerusalem, Israel; Principality of Monaco; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; and Westminster, London, United Kingdom.
