Sacramento seeks to partner with Verizon on Wi-Fi, wayfinding kiosks

Mayor Darrell Steinberg and the city of Sacramento have announced a tentative agreement with Verizon to create a public-private partnership designed to bring smart city infrastructure and services to people who live, work or visit the city, according to a press release.

The agreement will support wayfinding kiosks with Wi-Fi.

Verizon expects to invest more than $100 million to further the mayor's vision to foster innovation and attract new companies.

"This partnership will serve as a critical step in upgrading our city's infrastructure to support the newest and best technology and the economic growth that comes with that technology," Steinberg said in the press release.

Under the proposed agreement, Verizon and the city will develop a program to address the following:

• Assisting to bridge the digital divide by providing free Wi-Fi access in 27 of Sacramento's public parks; 
• Supporting Steinberg's education initiatives with internships and opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and math;
• Furthering Sacramento's Vision Zero initiative, which focuses on reducing traffic related fatalities and severe injuries;
• Building a connected community focused on Sacramento driven engagement with citizens and visitors with digital kiosks that include features such as Wi-Fi, security, wayfinding, notice boards and other functions customized for the city;
• Driving innovation and next generation 5G connectivity with an infrastructure investment throughout the Sacramento community.