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‘Bristol is Open’ to transform communication
You may not be able to see it, hear it or touch it, but a revolution is set to be switched on in Bristol.
A pioneering project to turn the city into one giant communications test bed is close to approval – and the people behind Bristol is Open say it will transform the way we live.
Essentially the project will use an unique super computer network (City Operating System) developed over the past five years at the University of Bristol. The computer network, linked up across the city, will capture information about the way we live in Bristol, helping scientists to understand issues such as mobility, health and energy efficiency.
is needed now More than ever
If the project is approved, Bristol Is Open will also, in real terms, allow for faster communications across the city. This could transform areas like health care, allowing for example live high definition images of patients sent straight to the consultant in A&E department or emergency service vehicles being able to have access to real time traffic information dramatically reducing response times.
Mayor George Ferguson said: “This pioneering project has massive potential and will go further to cement Bristol’s growing international reputation as a collaborative laboratory for change.
“During our year as European Green Capital and beyond it will help people develop tomorrow’s technology and better understand how a modern city operates; linking things up in brand new ways and opening us up to all sort of possibilities.
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Bristol, added: “Bristol Is Open will enable the people of Bristol to interact, work and play with their city. The project is a unique opportunity for the University and city council to work together to ensure the city is at the forefront of technological innovation.
“The University has invested £12 million in its Advanced Computing facilities since 2006, making it one of the country’s leading centres, and its supercomputer is a resource for the whole city…This is an exciting time for the city.”
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