Q&A: Carmel’s Networking Strategy Creates a Foundation for Future Technology

STATETECH: Carmel invested in high-performance networking to revitalize everything from public Wi-Fi to public safety operations. What capabilities has the city gained?

CUSIMANO: A modern, high-performance network gives us significantly greater visibility, reliability and flexibility across city operations. For public safety, first responders have faster, more dependable access to data, video and communications that improve situational awareness and coordination.

Our public Wi-Fi in key community spaces makes it easier for residents and visitors to stay connected. Internally, city staff benefit from improved collaboration, faster access to cloud applications and more efficient delivery of digital services.

The network also supports connected technologies such as security cameras, intelligent traffic systems, environmental sensors and other smart city applications that rely on consistent, low-latency connectivity.

STATETECH: Large community events place unique demands on municipal technology systems. How does Carmel’s network infrastructure help support those experiences?

CUSIMANO: Major events create spikes in connectivity needs for both the public and city operations. Our network allows us to scale resources while maintaining reliable communications for public safety personnel, event staff and municipal departments.

It also supports temporary Wi-Fi deployments, mobile command centers, security cameras, digital signage and real-time monitoring of event operations. The result is better coordination behind the scenes while providing visitors with a more connected and enjoyable experience. Reliable infrastructure also allows us to respond more quickly if conditions change during an event.

READ MORE: Explore how real-time crime centers use surveillance.

STATETECH: As local governments explore AI and other emerging technologies, what role does a strong, reliable network foundation play?

CUSIMANO: AI and other advanced technologies are only as effective as the infrastructure supporting them. High-quality networking enables secure movement of data between devices, applications, cloud platforms and users while providing the performance needed for real-time analytics and automation.

Whether it’s AI-assisted traffic management, predictive maintenance, intelligent video analytics or enhanced citizen services, these technologies require dependable, secure connectivity. Building that foundation first ensures we’re ready to adopt new capabilities without continually redesigning the underlying infrastructure.

STATETECH: What lessons has Carmel learned that could benefit other cities looking to improve services through better connectivity?

CUSIMANO: One of the biggest lessons is that technology investments should always be driven by business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake. Start by identifying the challenges you want to solve for residents, employees and public safety agencies, then build infrastructure that supports those priorities.

We’ve also learned the importance of designing for scalability, resilience and cybersecurity from the outset. Strong partnerships with technology providers and collaboration across city departments are equally important. Finally, modernization is an ongoing process rather than a one-time project, so flexibility and continuous improvement should be built into the strategy.

LEARN MORE: Here is some IT modernization guidance for small towns.

STATETECH: Looking ahead, what technology initiatives are you most excited about, and how will Carmel’s networking investments support future smart city services?

CUSIMANO: We’re excited about expanding data-driven city services, increasing automation where it improves efficiency and deploying more connected technologies that enhance quality of life for residents. That includes opportunities in intelligent transportation, environmental monitoring, digital government services, public safety innovation and improved community connectivity.

Our networking investments provide the platform that makes these initiatives possible. As new technologies emerge, we can integrate them more quickly, securely and cost-effectively because the underlying infrastructure is already designed to support growth. Ultimately, our goal is to create a city that is more responsive, resilient and connected while continuing to deliver better experiences for everyone who lives, works and visits here.