Local service provider Tech Valley Communications will spearhead the management and deployment of the Cisco ServiceMesh solution throughout the capital, initiating Wi-Fi services at key strategic points of commerce and industry. As Tech Valley expands the network and public service bands become readied on the 4.9 GHz channel, the city also plans to leverage the Wi-Fi mesh network to augment and expand public safety, emergency response and other city services.

"This is a perfect holiday present to the people of Albany," said Mayor, Jerry Jennings. "Tech Valley Communications efforts will make working, shopping, living and enjoying the many nightlife activities in downtown Albany even more convenient and effortless. Just as importantly, this is an important first step in providing Internet access to everyone in our community, throughout all of the neighborhoods. Were making Albany a Smart City by cutting the wires and thereby the barriers to accessing the Internet, which will make New Yorks Capital City a more desirable destination."

"Wireless is the ideal platform for cities to deploy a myriad of new services that benefits their residents, visitors and businesses," said Alan Cohen, senior director of mobility solutions at Cisco. "With a complete portfolio of end-to-end solutions, Cisco provides robust wireless broadband access, allows for inexpensive video surveillance, and allows cities to use new mobility services, such as location tracking, to better manage their key assets while lowering administrative costs."