Page 46 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Singapore

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities –
The Case of Singapore

requirements. These regulations are expected to assuage tensions and doubts regarding the
protection of data, enabling Singapore to move forward with its smart city mission.

Given the strides Singapore has made in the domain of smart sustainable cities and associated
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policies and laws, this sub-section will highlight a few smart sustainable city best practices
based on Singapore’s smart city activities. The following content will also feature a few
additional measures that are recommended for adoption by Singapore and other aspiring smart
sustainable cities around the world as a part of their smart city transitions.

4.1.1. ICTs

The key theme assessed by these KPIs is the level of implementation of ICTs. A smart city requires
fixed and mobile ICT infrastructures to allow for the deployment of applications that will:
(i) Facilitate the development of smart sustainable cities;

(ii) Promote civic engagement; and
(iii) Foster improvements in sustainability (gained though efficiencies in operations).

Suggested action for other aspiring
Measures adopted by Singapore smart sustainable cities
(based on Singapore’s experience)

Singapore, through its Next Generation Urban stakeholders, in line with their smart city
Nationwide Broadband Network and mobile goals, should also strive to maintain a high level of
operators, provides 3G and 4G services, which development and adoption of appropriate digital
forms the ICT backbone of the Smart Nation technologies which will facilitate their city’s smart
initiative. The reported KPIs in the ICT domain transformation and offer their citizens improved
demonstrate that Singapore has maintained a internet access.
high level of development in this area; citizens
have ready access to advanced internet
capabilities.

Singapore has adopted the WHO guidelines on It is recommended that aspiring smart sustainable
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure for mobile cities adhere to the WHO guidelines on EMF
base stations. As such, the government maintains exposure to ensure that their smart city goals do
EMF levels within exposure limits and provides not jeopardize public health.
protection to all citizens.
Cities should also consider implementing ITU’s
international standards (ITU-T Recommendations)
on EMF management and control, taking as
reference, the work carried out by ITU-T Study
Group 5 on “Environment, Climate Change and
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Circular Economy”.

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Given the dynamic and individualistic nature of urban systems, readers are cautioned that
implementing these best practices may not guarantee a high level of verifiability of the data provided.
However, these best practices are expected to improve the overall applicability of the KPIs in emerging
smart sustainable cities.
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These ITU-T Recommendations include K.52, K.74, K.78, K.83, K.87, K.100, K.113 and K.115.

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