Phunware plans to deploy mobile Smart City solution in Pasadena, Texas

Phunware Inc (NASDAQ:PHUN has announced plans to deploy its mobile Smart City solution in Pasadena, Texas to improve citizen engagement and address critical challenges due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In a statement, the Austin-based company said the contract marks the first deployment of its Smart City solution, which was announced to the public in April. Phunware’s Smart City solution runs on its Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform and can help city officials quickly identify, locate, and engage employees, citizens, first-responders, volunteers, and even local businesses.  READ: Phunware adds HID mobile access integration for MaaS platform deployments Cities can also link existing services and platforms where application program interfaces (APIs) are available, which helps drive awareness and utilization of other key city resources, including parking management, maintenance requests and law enforcement broadcasts. “City officials were struggling with engagement and emergency management even before the ongoing pandemic, and these important community needs will continue to evolve rolling forward,” Randall Crowder, COO of Phunware said in a statement. The city of Pasadena, located near Houston, has one the largest municipal volunteer fire departments in the US and a population of about 200,000, many of whom don’t have access to home computers, broadcast or cable television. But most have smartphones, according to Mayor Jeff Wagner. “A mobile application from a tech leader like Phunware will enable Pasadena residents to have critical information in the palm of their hands, 24/7,” said Wagner. “Whether it’s an alert related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a hurricane warning or chemical release information from our neighboring industrial district, Pasadena is a prime candidate for a mobile phone app with integrated solutions for our diverse population.” The capabilities of Phunware’s Smart City solution on mobile include, but are not limited to: Notify and route to designated healthcare and testing locations, essential businesses still open, donation sites, government services, and community events by engaging users with contextual triggers, including location, mapping, navigation, and time Designate essential versus nonessential businesses and offer additional details, including operating hours, services provided, and contact information, all while enabling citizens to receive notifications in real-time based on their proximity and location Track and prevent potentially harmful exposure by contact tracing and monitoring device locations, including both real-time and historical lookbacks. Manage and enforce social distancing and quarantine policies, including messaging, reminders, and notifications Coordinate the sharing of information by neighborhood, community, and region to ensure that the right citizens are given the right messaging specific to their situation and individual needs Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham