State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Experts: Boston's response to 2013 bombing exemplifies use of smart city, IoT tech

Statescoop: Boston’s move to embrace the Internet of Things and other smart city technologies in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 represents the future of how governments can use tech for public safety purposes, according to Deb Socia, executive director of the nonprofit Next Century Cities.

Socia’s organization — which represents 133 cities and counties to help them get more access to affordable, high-speed internet — tracks how improved connectivity can enhance local government operations, and she sees the Massachusetts city as a shining example of how officials can use technology to respond to tragedy. At a panel discussion at the Internet Education Foundation’s “State of the Net — Wireless” event, Socia detailed how differently the city secured the Boston Marathon on Monday, versus the tactics it used three years ago.

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