The City of Brownsville, Texas has announced a collaboration with NTT Data to deploy a private 5G network and introduce a suite of IoT and AI-powered applications aimed at enhancing public services, promoting public safety, supporting environmental sustainability, and driving economic growth. The initiative is designed to transform Brownsville into one of the most connected cities in the United States.

NTT Data, which has overseen major smart-city deployments in Las Vegas, will implement the private 5G infrastructure in Brownsville. While the vendor supplying the 5G equipment has not yet been confirmed, NTT Data frequently works with technology partners such as Celona, Cisco, and Nokia for similar projects. Alongside 5G deployment, NTT Data will integrate IoT solutions, both proprietary and third-party, to help the city optimize operations and services.

Once ranked as the “worst connected city” by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in 2017, Brownsville is now undergoing a rapid digital transformation. NTT Data emphasized the city’s potential, stating, “Brownsville is becoming one of the best connected cities,” and cited research forecasting that the smart city technology market will grow to $301.2 billion by 2032. The deployment of “scalable, secure private 5G networks” is a critical step in this journey, laying the foundation for a variety of new IoT applications aimed at improving the daily lives of residents and positioning Brownsville as a tech hub.

The rollout will be managed by NTT Data and will occur in phases, initially focusing on downtown areas, including four public parks, the city’s public works yard, and the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. The first use cases will center on ‘smart infrastructure,’ leveraging IoT devices and sensors to provide city-wide connectivity, alongside new safety and security applications, enabled by real-time data insights from connected devices monitoring public spaces.

This deployment will involve an extensive array of sensors, including cameras and IoT devices, operating over the private 5G network. These sensors will monitor city operations, occupancy levels, crowd management, and public safety. The city will gather data from thousands of connected assets, such as computer vision systems, wireless access points, and optical, audio, and motion sensors. Using NTT’s Smart Solutions portfolio, powered by machine learning and AI, real-time and historical data will be analyzed to help city officials respond to various challenges, transforming Brownsville into a truly smart and connected city.

NTT Data’s private 5G network is described as a “turnkey solution” offering significant cost savings by avoiding traditional wireless carrier fees, while also being flexible and scalable to accommodate future demand. NTT Data has successfully implemented similar projects in Las Vegas, as well as at Frankfurt and Cologne airports in Germany, and the RAI Amsterdam venue in the Netherlands.

“Brownsville’s growth is driven by a high quality of life, the nearby SpaceX Starbase complex, the Texas LNG export facility, and the deep-water Port of Brownsville,” NTT Data said in a statement. “By providing advanced digital capabilities and secure wireless connectivity, the city will be able to deliver optimal benefits to both residents and businesses, while promoting sustainable future growth.”

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen hailed the initiative, stating that it will establish “a new standard for smart, connected, and sustainable cities.” He added: “Our goal is to redefine human-to-digital interactions, delivering exceptional services and an outstanding quality of life for our residents.” Jorge Cardenas, the city's Chief Information Officer, emphasized the importance of the 5G rollout, saying it is “essential” for positioning Brownsville at the “forefront of technological advancement and economic development.”

Eric Clark, CEO of NTT Data North America, said: “The combination of AI, real-time analytics, private 5G, and edge devices is transformative for cities and industries seeking digital innovation. We look forward to partnering with Brownsville on further innovations to create a prosperous future.”