Internet of Things:
Communities Deploy Projects by Combining Federal Support with Other Funds and Expertise
GAO-17-570: Published: Jul 26, 2017. Publicly Released: Jul 26, 2017.
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Contact:
(202) 512-2834
goldsteinm@gao.gov
Nabajyoti Barkakati, Ph.D.
(202) 512-4499
barkakatin@gao.gov
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov
What GAO Found
The internet of things (IoT) generally refers to the technologies and devices that allow for the network connection and interaction of a wide array of devices, or “things.” Federal agencies that GAO reviewed are undertaking two kinds of efforts that support IoT in communities:
- Broad federal research and oversight of IoT-related technologies and issues: For example, 8 of the 11 agencies GAO reviewed are involved in broad research efforts, often on communication systems—both wired and wireless network systems. In addition, nine agencies have oversight efforts that include providing IoT-related guidance, often on data security and privacy.
- More direct efforts to support communities, including funding community IoT projects (see figure) and fostering collaboration among the agencies and communities: For example, DOT recently awarded $40 million in federal funds to a community for a suite of “smart” projects related to improving surface transportation performance, and EPA awarded $40,000 each to two communities to develop strategies for deploying air quality sensors and managing the data collected from them. To foster such collaboration, in July 2016, the White House formed an interagency task force that has developed a draft Smart Cities and Communities Federal Strategic Plan . A final plan will be released in summer of 2017, according to federal officials.
All four of the communities that GAO reviewed are using federal funds in combination with other resources, both financial and non-financial, to plan and deploy IoT projects. For example, one community used the $40 million DOT award to leverage, from community partners, more than $100 million in additional direct and in-kind contributions, such as research or equipment contributions. Communities discussed four main challenges to deploying IoT, including community sectors (e.g., transportation, energy, and public safety) that are siloed and proprietary systems that are not interoperable with one another.
Examples of Internet of Things Projects in Communities
Why GAO Did This Study
Communities are increasingly deploying IoT devices generally with a goal of improving livability, management, service delivery, or competitiveness. GAO was asked to examine federal support for IoT and the use of IoT in communities. This report describes: (1) the kinds of efforts that selected federal agencies have undertaken to support IoT in communities and (2) how selected communities are using federal funds to deploy IoT projects.
GAO reviewed documents and interviewed officials from 11 federal agencies identified as having a key role in supporting IoT in communities, including agencies that support research or community IoT efforts or that have direct authority over IoT issues. GAO interviewed a non-generalizeable sample of representatives from multiple stakeholder groups in four communities, selected to include a range of community sizes and locations and communities with projects that used federal support. GAO also reviewed relevant literature since 2013 and discussed federal efforts and community challenges with 11 stakeholders from academia and the private sector, selected to reflect a range of perspectives on IoT issues.
GAO requested comments on a draft of this product from 11 federal agencies. Five agencies provided technical comments, which GAO incorporated as appropriate. Six agencies did not provide comments.
For more information, contact Mark Goldstein at (202) 512-2834 or goldsteinm@gao.gov or Nabajyoti Barkakati at (202) 512-4499 or barkakatin@gao.gov.
Dec 12, 2018
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Emergency Communications:
Office of Emergency Communications Should Take Steps to Help Improve External CommunicationsGAO-19-171: Published: Dec 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Dec 12, 2018.
Nov 14, 2018
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Tribal Broadband:
FCC Should Undertake Efforts to Better Promote Tribal Access to SpectrumGAO-19-75: Published: Nov 14, 2018. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 2018.
Oct 3, 2018
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Tribal Broadband:
FCC's Data Overstate Access, and Tribes Face Barriers Accessing FundingGAO-19-134T: Published: Oct 3, 2018. Publicly Released: Oct 3, 2018.
Sep 28, 2018
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Tribal Broadband:
Few Partnerships Exist and the Rural Utilities Service Needs to Identify and Address Any Funding Barriers Tribes FaceGAO-18-682: Published: Sep 28, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 2018.
Sep 7, 2018
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Broadband Internet:
FCC's Data Overstate Access on Tribal LandsGAO-18-630: Published: Sep 7, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 7, 2018.
Jan 9, 2018
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Telecommunications:
FCC Should Improve Monitoring of Industry Efforts to Strengthen Wireless Network ResiliencyGAO-18-198: Published: Dec 12, 2017. Publicly Released: Jan 9, 2018.
Nov 27, 2017
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Internet of Things:
FCC Should Track Growth to Ensure Sufficient Spectrum Remains AvailableGAO-18-71: Published: Nov 16, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 27, 2017.
Oct 30, 2017
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Emergency Communications:
Overlap and Views on the Effectiveness of Organizations Promoting the Interoperability of EquipmentGAO-18-173R: Published: Oct 30, 2017. Publicly Released: Oct 30, 2017.
Oct 12, 2017
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Firstnet:
Efforts to Establish the Public-Safety Broadband NetworkGAO-18-187T: Published: Oct 12, 2017. Publicly Released: Oct 12, 2017.
Sep 29, 2017
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Video Programming:
FCC Should Conduct Additional Analysis to Evaluate Need for Set-Top Box RegulationGAO-17-785: Published: Sep 29, 2017. Publicly Released: Sep 29, 2017.
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