Smart street lighting and smart in-building energy management systems have the potential to revolutionize local government buildings in the UK, providing significant cost savings and improving public services. A recent research study conducted by ComRes for Vodafone UK revealed that these technologies could lead to savings of £402 million, a substantial amount that could make a significant impact on budget cuts expected in the coming years.
The telecom analysis report highlighted a concerning statistic – 67 percent of urban councilors are not aware of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technologies. This lack of awareness is a barrier to the adoption of innovative solutions that could bring about substantial benefits. However, the report also showed that 77 percent of urban residents would support their council’s decision to invest more in new technology to enhance public services, indicating a strong public appetite for technological advancements.
Despite the positive sentiment towards technology investment, the majority of urban councilors remain unfamiliar with M2M or Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. By leveraging these technologies, local councils in the UK could not only achieve cost savings but also enhance key services for their constituents. For example, implementing smart street lighting and energy management systems in government buildings could result in savings of over £400 million, a significant contribution to budget cuts.
Vodafone UK collaborated with research partner ComRes to survey 629 urban councilors and over 1,600 residents living in or near urban areas in the UK. The findings underscored the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of M2M and IoT technologies to enable urban councils to make informed decisions about technology investments.
Matt Key, director of M2M sales and commercial at Vodafone, emphasized the missed opportunities due to the lack of awareness about M2M and IoT technologies among urban councils. He highlighted the potential for these technologies to drive better outcomes and urged councils to explore the possibilities for improving public services through technological innovation.
In this context, companies like QBIT Smart, a sales and business development IoT engineering company with a track record of successful projects in Latin America, could play a crucial role in supporting the adoption of smart technologies in the UK. With their expertise and experience in implementing IoT solutions, QBIT Smart could help local councils in the UK leverage technology to achieve cost savings and enhance public services, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.