Tech Policy
5G, Smart Cities & Communities of Color
Innovation is changing America, from self-checkout lanes in grocery stores to driverless cars. New jobs will emerge, like technicians who service these technologies. Other jobs will be eliminated, such as cashiers and drivers.
How will these changes affect communities of color? How can leaders maximize new job and business opportunities, and mitigate challenges like job loss? How can innovation improve quality of life in communities of color?
The Joint Center’s new report, 5G, Smart Cities & Communities of Color, starts to answer some of these questions.
Click on the following for the…
1-page fact sheet with infographics
4-page annotated list of key resources
Key Points:
- The fifth generation of wireless technology (5G) will be 10-100 times faster than current networks, potentially increasing access to high-speed broadband in Black and Latino communities.
- 5G and Smart City technologies could reduce or expand the digital divide and other racial disparities, depending on choices by local leaders and wireless companies.
- 5G and Smart City technologies will drive innovation, local economic development, and job growth. The automation facilitated by these technologies will also eliminate some jobs.
Elected Officials Should:
- Negotiate with wireless companies to ensure that minority contractors and diverse workers help install and maintain 5G and Smart City technologies.
- Ensure that 5G and Smart City technologies are accessible and affordable to all residents.
- Empower residents to constantly update their skills to match the needs of evolving industries.
For coverage of the report see WashingTECH and The Beat.
The report was written by Yosef Getachew, Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, and Spencer Overton.
For press inquiries contact Morgan@JointCenter.org.
Hashtags: #5G4POC & #SmartCities4POC
@JointCenter
