1. Strengthening society through sustainability
Droughts, hurricanes, superstorms and other extreme weather events have the public on guard for the devastation that climate change may have in the coming years. Climate change caused by human activity such as transportation, deforestation and industrial manufacturing can only be combated by human action.
To encourage sustainable practices through new policies and regulations, public-sector leaders will need to leverage their data in more sophisticated ways. By connecting and sharing data from disparate sources, they can make more-informed decisions about where to invest resources to most effectively mitigate disruption.
When an extreme weather event strikes, officials can also use this data, along with 5G connectivity, to empower its public safety resources to respond more effectively. By making data more available to public safety leaders and first responders in the field, the community can get back on its feet faster.
2. Increasing inclusion through digital service delivery
Government agencies can sometimes struggle to provide equal access to marginalized communities. The more the public sector can digitize its services and reduce the digital divide, the more these communities can access the information and support they need to thrive.
To do so, connectivity is a must. 5G connectivity makes ultrafast Internet access available, overcoming the last-mile barriers of wired broadband infrastructure. Once constituents are connected, public agencies can make more of their services available online so people can get the support they need 24/7 instead of waiting in line at an office, or worse yet, not at all.
3. Balancing remote work with reality
Just like the corporate world, portions of the public sector now work remotely. To maintain critical government functions with a remote workforce, public-sector entities need to closely examine how remote workers connect so citizen data remains safe. Managed security services can ensure that remote employees and their devices stay as protected at home as they are behind the firewall at the office.
In addition, government employees must be able to effectively serve the public even when they're working from home. Technologies that can help remote staff engage with colleagues and constituents equally effectively from anywhere include:
- Wireless private networks
- Managed software-defined wide-area networks
- Video conferencing
- Virtual contact centers
- Unified communications
4. Powering the smart city
Today's communities have never been more connected, allowing cities to leverage data and analytics to conserve energy, improve traffic, manage resources and more. In 2023, communities will leverage technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things, multi-access edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to further connect their infrastructure together so they can create a deeper understanding of how people live, work and move.
While many cities leverage smart systems, these systems are often siloed across departments. To make the most of their data, city planners are starting to combine their data into a single platform that provides all their data insights in a single pane of glass. This allows them to holistically approach issues like homelessness, traffic and public safety so they can make more intelligent decisions about where to invest taxpayer dollars.
Verizon is dedicated to serving the public sector
The public sector can benefit from increased investment in new technologies such as cloud computing, AI and data analytics to streamline operations and improve decision-making. Verizon provides purpose-built solutions that help federal, state, local, public safety and educational organizations leverage ultrafast 5G connectivity, collaboration solutions and leading cybersecurity services.
By helping the public sector modernize networks, improve communications and connect people together, Verizon helps improve the way the sector delivers services to residents while reducing costs. Learn how Verizon is helping transform the public sector.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.