These are the actions which relate to using technology in places. For more detail to the background of this please read this section of the Birmingham Smart City Plan (pdf) or click on any of the links below to take you to a detailed action which you can comment on.
Connectivity
The aim is affordable and reliable digital connectivity available from anywhere in the city. Fast speeds support the a range of services, from tele-health to mobile learning and entertainment. Birmingham businesses can thrive because they can make use of more effective digital solutions and develop and provide digital services. Communities of place and interest can connect, collaborate and construct news solutions to problems with greater speed and ease.
To read or comment on the individual action see below:
Planning for Digital Infrastructure
New buildings in the city, whether commercial or residential, will benefit from better planned and implemented digital infrastructure. They will incorporate connectivity from the start. This will provide the right combinations of fibre optic cabling, mobile connections and sensors to help Birmingham be a flexible and resilient city.
Open Data & Information Market Places
- Action C1: Birmingham City Council Open data Portal
- Action C2: Future City Platform (FCP)
- Action C3: Increase the reach of the Birmingham City Council Open Data Platform
To create a city where open data and other publicly accessible information is being combined into useful tools by local businesses and adapted by community groups and public services to improve the way we help each other. Freer access to information will improve public service and create new economic value.
Birmingham Smart City 
Are you sure this strategy is not distorting the market and actually disrupting the goals it aims to achieve? e.g. Why can I not get BT Infinity fibre in The Jewellery Quarter? Is it because BT are waiting to cash in BCC vouchers for more expensive ‘fixed lines’ instead?
Hello Jake
We have worked with the exisiting incumbents for a number of years and we know that they build their infrastructure roll-out based on levels of demand and profitability, and in the past, much of this has been focused on the residential market. We recognised that there was a gap in the services provided to the sme sector as traditionally the major incumbents have tended to offer ethernet services or other premium services which have been largely unaffordable for them. The BCC Voucher Scheme enables both existing and new operators to provide services, which, without the scheme would not be possible. We are pleased that the voucher scheme has enabled smes to get access to services from a wide range of new operators hence improving both the connectivity and the affordability of the connectivity.
Raj
OK Raj – so to be clear, you are confident that the reason BT Infinity is not available in The Jewellery Quarter, is because the Jewellery Quarter is not residential enough. NOT because you’ve been working with them as an existing incumbent to expect BCC subsidy of more expensive ‘fixed lines’ (which are, practically speaking, the same thing).
Because the other thing about the voucher scheme, is that none with any business nous pays for connection anyway. It’s only there to be wavered.
Jake,
What I am saying is that BT have stated that they will upgrade their infrastructure where there is sufficient demand and it is commercially viable to do so. The voucher scheme offers the opportunity for other operators to provide superfast broadband connectivity and we are seeing good examples of other operators taking up the scheme and delivering alternative services to smes – this increased supplier activity will hopefully lead to a more competitive market