Photos: 20 of the world’s most connected, innovative cities
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1. Seoul, South Korea
1. Seoul, South Korea
One of the largest metro areas in South Korea, Seoul has almost ubiquitous Wi-Fi, media poles, and smart transportation. City commuters use RFID cards for public transportation that calculate and charge for exact distance.
2. Hong Kong, China
2. Hong Kong, China
China’s “Fragrant Harbour” offers free Wi-Fi networks, including one on the city’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) public transportation. Internet companies such as Tencent and Alibaba have offices there.
3. Tokyo, Japan
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo residents have access to decent Wi-Fi speeds at a pretty good price, and heavy users can get a broadband fiber to the home (FTTH) connection. New transportation technology, such as the magnetic levitation train, and fields like robotics, are also key innovations.
4. Singapore
4. Singapore
Since its split from Malaysia, Singapore has worked to become one of the most technologically savvy cities in the world. Singapore is well-connected, but it also focuses on integrating technology into education and encouraging new startup companies.
5. Barcelona, Spain
5. Barcelona, Spain
The city known for hosting the Mobile World Congress show every year is an innovation hub in its own right. City-wide Wi-Fi powers smart parking meters, and a big-data system built on Microsoft Azure helps analyze all the data received by different points in the city, like sensors connected to public utilities.
6. Montreal, Québec
6. Montreal, Québec
In addition to providing some free public Wi-Fi, Montreal is also part of the Connecting Cities network, which builds out connected facades for social and artistic content.
7. Seattle, Washington
7. Seattle, Washington
Home to Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, the Emerald City of Seattle is one of the most broadband-connected cities in the US. Seattle also has an abundance of public Wi-Fi spots.
8. Geneva, Switzerland
8. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva boasts one of the highest internet penetration rates in the country. To address both growth opportunities and risks associated with the internet, theGeneva Internet Platform was initiated by Swiss authorities and is operated by DiploFoundation.
9. Stockholm, Sweden
9. Stockholm, Sweden
As far as internet usage rates go, Stockholm is one of the top-rated cities in the world. Additionally, the city has been experimenting with WiMAX and hosts some of the top cyber cafu00e9s in the world.
10. Helsinki, Finland
10. Helsinki, Finland
In 2010, Finland became the first country in the world to make broadband internet connection a legal right. Helsinki, the capital city, is one of the leading forces behind the country’s advancement.
11. Paris, France
11. Paris, France
With over 200 public hotspots, Paris is an internet-savvy city. The city also hosts the LeWeb conference for innovation and startups.
12. Florence, Italy
12. Florence, Italy
One of the most historically significant cities in Italy is also one of its most connected, boasting many free Wi-Fi access points.
13. Prague, Czech Republic
13. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is well-wired and connected throughout. Companies such as Siemens and Honeywell have locations there and the city has a high average connection speed.
14. Amsterdam, Netherlands
14. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Also a leader in average internet speed, Amsterdam also has many innovative initiatives such as Amsterdam Smart City. The city is also home to the Amsterdam Internet Exchange, a not-for-profit organization connected to some of the biggest names in tech.
15. Atlanta, Georgia
15. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is one of the most wired cities in the US, with a plethora of options for connecting. The city is also being targeted for a Google Fiber rollout.
16. Vienna, Austria
16. Vienna, Austria
High average Wi-Fi speeds and readily available Wi-Fi are helping make Vienna a city that is driven by, and focused on, innovation.
17. Tel Aviv, Israel
17. Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is the innovation capital of Israel. It has birthed many successful startup companies and the city offers free public Wi-Fi to residents.
18. Dubai, UAE
18. Dubai, UAE
Dubai hasn’t always been known as the most connected city, but it has made huge strides over the past few years and is working its way to becoming one of the world’s major connected smart cities.
19. Taipei, Taiwan
Modern office buildings in Taipei, Taiwan at dusk.
19. Taipei, Taiwan
One of best examples of free public internet, Taipei has a government-backed network that contains more than 5,000 hotspots. The service can be registered for in advance by visitors as well.
Modern office buildings in Taipei, Taiwan at dusk.
20. Munich, Germany
20. Munich, Germany
The Bavarian capital of Munich is consistently on the front lines of connectivity and innovation. The city has been working on a smart grid and is known for embracing open source technologies.
