It is predicted that by 2050, more than six billion people across the world will live in cities. That is 70% of the world’s population. Spurred by the exponential growth of the digital economy and Internet of Things (IoT), major cities around the world are developing rapidly into smart cities. Smart living in smart cities no longer belongs to science fiction, it is a reality and in the future it will be a reality experienced by a majority in the world.

What is smart living?

Smart living harnesses the power of information communications technology, and the Internet of Things through real-time data communication. Smart homes enhance traditional networks and services with the use of digital platforms and telecommunication technologies, creating convenience and benefits for its inhabitants as well as businesses. It is a combination of things rather than one item on its own. A system that uses a singular point, such as a phone or a tablet, whereby all the digital operations and solutions are managed and made to work together through Wi-Fi and mobile technologies.

Smart cities and sustainability

As cities grow bigger and bigger, they need to become smarter. Within the global digital ecosystem, smart city initiatives are being implemented around the world. More than a 100 cities at present are introducing some form of smart solutions. Smart cities, through the use of digital technology, have the potential to provide better use of resources, better management of energy, and better public services to citizens: smarter water supply and waste disposal, energy management, urban transportation network, while it can also incorporate the public health system, law enforcement, and other community services. Thus, smart living will contribute to achieving the UN Sustainability Goals. One example of this is engergy management; cities are known to consume 75% of the global energy, with buildings accounting for 40%, experts estimate that this could be greatly reduced through the use of smart solutions.

The role of SLT in smart living

The role of telecommunication operators in smart living, smart homes, and smart cities is quintessential. It will be the telecommunication operators that will supply the infrastructure and deliver real-time data analytics and all smart living solutions to the public, businesses, and even governments. SLT, as the national ICT service provider, has become the catalyst for knowledge sharing and the development of best practices across IoT initiatives. The strategies outlined in our SLT Group Vision 2022 will equip us to embrace the digital revolution and be digitally ready.

SLT and smart living initiatives

In 2017, SLT signed a number of agreements with high-profile property developers to redefine the experience of luxury living and introduce smart living solutions to all Sri Lankans. The MoU signed with Indocean Developers (Pvt) Limited, the development of the iconic Altair building in Colombo, is one such example. SLT will provide smart living solutions which will include high speed broadband services up to the speed of 100 Mbps and high definition television content through the IPTV platform to the residents of this landmark property. Occupants will have access to all digital (cloud and IoT) services provided by SLT. Wi-Fi access in common areas and a number of smart and mobile applications will also be offered to seamlessly and remotely manage connected homes from anywhere, at anytime, on any screen in real time.

We will also provide fibre infrastructure and IPTV platform along with smart living and smart building solutions to the residents of the Colombo City Centre (CCC).

SLT has also partnered with Government bodies to provide digital infrastructure to macro-scale projects around the island. The Lanka Government Network (LGN) connecting Government institutions through fibre optics is already under way, covering 315 establishments which will expand to 860 by the end of this year. SLT, in partnership with the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, will provide the digital backbone and smart solutions to the ministry’s flagship project, Techno City will comprise five technology institutes including the National Science Centre, Satellite Centre, and Technology University.

Built on the latest sustainable city designs and smart city concepts, the Colombo Port City will comprise five different precincts including the Financial District, Central Park Living, Island Living, The Marina, and the International Island. SLT will provide the necessary fibre infrastructure and all our digital services to make the Colombo Port City the premier smart city of South-East Asia.

A “smart” future with SLT

While eagerly anticipating all the technological advances in the digital ecosystem, we are preparing to meet all challenges the digital, smart future may hold for us. As the national ICT service provider, we are cognisant of our responsibility to the nation and its people to provide services to our utmost capacity, while sharing global best practices in the sector to take our nation to the future.