Cities are evolving fast. One of the clearest signs of this change is the growing presence of public WiFi and smart kiosks. These tools are connecting people, offering services, and even transforming how cities function. If you walk down any major city street, chances are you’ll come across someone using free WiFi or interacting with a touchscreen kiosk.
1. Over 70% of urban residents in the U.S. have used public WiFi in the past year
The numbers show just how deeply public WiFi has become part of city life. When over 70% of city dwellers have used it in the last year, it’s no longer a luxury — it’s a daily tool.
This means that people aren’t just stumbling onto public networks; they’re actively looking for them. They’re using them in cafes, libraries, parks, airports, and while commuting.
This makes public WiFi a serious touchpoint for engagement, especially for city governments, local businesses, and public service providers.
If you’re in charge of a city’s digital strategy, this is your cue to expand access. If you’re a business owner near high foot traffic, promoting your location as a reliable hotspot could bring in more customers.
For startups, there’s a growing opportunity in helping cities or companies manage, secure, and monetize public networks.
The key is to understand that public WiFi isn’t just about giving internet — it’s about shaping how people experience a place. And with such a high usage rate, it’s clear this trend isn’t going away.
2. 60% of users access public WiFi through smartphones as their primary device
Smartphones are driving public WiFi usage. With 60% of users depending on their phones to connect, it’s no surprise that WiFi is being used everywhere from sidewalks to subways.
This stat matters because it affects how networks are built and managed. WiFi systems need to be optimized for mobile — fast logins, responsive speeds, and minimal drop-offs.
If your network takes more than a few seconds to connect, users will skip it. Worse, they may never try again.
City planners and tech vendors should prioritize mobile-first design. That means using mobile-aware portals, auto-login features, and mobile-compatible ads or city alerts.
For app developers, there’s an opportunity to create seamless experiences that integrate with public WiFi. This could be for tourism, transit, or even city-wide rewards programs. When you know most people are on mobile, you can build smarter services.
This also means public WiFi isn’t just for people without data plans.
Even users with unlimited data often switch to WiFi for better speed or to save battery. That’s your chance to make a connection — literally and digitally.
3. 45% of people use public WiFi weekly in large metropolitan areas
Nearly half of people in big cities are using public WiFi every week. That’s not occasional use — that’s a routine.
This regular usage turns public WiFi into a high-frequency platform. Whether someone is checking email, streaming music, or navigating Google Maps, the expectation is that WiFi will be there.
Cities that invest in reliable WiFi aren’t just offering a service; they’re creating trust.
Users return when the connection works — and they avoid places where it doesn’t. This makes the quality of the WiFi just as important as the availability.
If you’re managing city infrastructure or running a public space like a park or plaza, this is a call to ensure the network is stable and fast. Lagging or broken networks hurt more than they help.
For advertisers and public communicators, weekly use means you’ve got a real audience.
Consistent WiFi use opens the door for time-sensitive alerts, rotating promotions, or even interactive campaigns tied to city events.
4. 30% of all U.S. public WiFi hotspots are concentrated in the top 10 cities
The big cities dominate the public WiFi landscape. Just 10 cities account for nearly one-third of all public WiFi hotspots in the country.
This concentration tells us two things. First, urban centers are clearly leading the charge on public connectivity.
Second, smaller cities and rural areas are falling behind — and that’s both a challenge and an opportunity.
If you’re in a top-tier city, your competition is fierce. Your WiFi better work well, or someone will simply walk one block over and connect somewhere else.
But if you’re in a mid-sized city or emerging tech hub, you have a chance to stand out by offering what others still lack.
This stat also opens the door for partnerships. Telecom companies and tech startups can target these leading cities with advanced offerings — higher bandwidth, layered security, or data analytics services.
At the same time, federal or state grants could help push more equitable WiFi coverage in under-connected regions.
5. New York City has over 10,000 active LinkNYC smart kiosks deployed
New York has become a poster child for smart kiosk deployment. With over 10,000 active LinkNYC kiosks, it has created a connected corridor that stretches across all five boroughs.
These kiosks offer free WiFi, local directions, emergency alerts, and even phone charging. They’re essentially public tech stations on the street — always on, always available.
This deployment didn’t happen by accident. It took strong public-private partnerships, careful zoning approvals, and a focus on user needs. Other cities can learn from this model.
By allowing companies to install kiosks and recoup investment through advertising, cities can expand public services at little to no cost.
If you’re planning a kiosk deployment, take a hard look at NYC’s model. Think about placement — close to transit, in high foot traffic zones, and near tourist landmarks. Make sure the interface is clean and fast.
And most importantly, make it useful — free calls, maps, alerts, and USB ports go a long way in gaining public trust.
6. 52% of public WiFi users use the network for video streaming
Over half of public WiFi users are streaming videos — from YouTube, TikTok, or Netflix. That’s a lot of bandwidth.
This stat matters because video puts the biggest strain on networks. If a public WiFi system isn’t built to handle high data loads, it’s going to crash, buffer, or slow down everyone else.
That means city leaders and vendors need to prepare for heavy video usage. Use modern routers.
Upgrade backhaul capacity. And consider deploying traffic-shaping tools that balance usage without blocking content.
There’s also a content opportunity here. If people are already in video mode, cities can think about sharing short local videos on the WiFi login page — alerts, events, or even safety tips.
The format already matches the user’s behavior.
For businesses near WiFi hotspots, you can embrace this trend by offering branded content or sponsored playlists that load instantly on your network. Make the experience feel like it’s part of the space.
7. 68% of users say they connect to public WiFi without using a VPN
This is a big security concern. When nearly 70% of people use public WiFi without a VPN, they’re exposing their data to risks. That includes emails, passwords, banking info, and more.
While most public networks are generally safe, there’s always a risk of snooping or fake networks. As a result, cities and providers need to step up their security game.
Offer secure HTTPS landing pages, enable basic encryption at the network level, and clearly educate users about the risks.
Include short, friendly security tips on the login screen. Make people aware without scaring them off.
For cybersecurity companies, this stat is an opening. Offering easy-to-use, lightweight VPN apps that connect automatically on public WiFi can help users stay protected — especially if built into city services or internet provider bundles.
There’s also room for innovation here. Imagine a kiosk that scans your device’s security before letting you on the network — it builds trust and shows the city takes safety seriously.
8. Los Angeles has over 5,000 public WiFi hotspots citywide
Los Angeles has made real strides in providing WiFi access, with over 5,000 hotspots spread across neighborhoods, parks, and public buildings.
This scale shows the city’s commitment to digital inclusion. But just as important as coverage is consistency. A hotspot that works one day and drops the next can frustrate users and reduce adoption.
So for cities scaling WiFi like LA, the key is maintenance. That includes uptime monitoring, user feedback loops, and regular upgrades.
Businesses and civic groups can also piggyback on this coverage. Community centers, libraries, and local events can guide people to these hotspots, making them part of the public fabric.
It’s also smart to layer services over this network. Whether it’s free online classes, job portals, or city apps — when you have the coverage, you can deliver real impact.
9. 55% of smart kiosk interactions are for wayfinding or local information
People want help getting around — and kiosks are stepping in. More than half of all smart kiosk use is for wayfinding or finding local info.
This reinforces one thing: kiosks are public guides. They need to be accurate, up-to-date, and easy to use.
If you’re deploying kiosks, work closely with tourism boards, city departments, and local businesses.
Keep maps current. Update points of interest. And make the interface fast and intuitive — big buttons, clear categories, and responsive design.
Don’t forget language support. In a diverse city, having multilingual options is a game changer. It can mean the difference between someone walking away or using the kiosk again and again.
Smart cities are using these kiosks as ambassadors — pointing people not just to places, but to events, safety alerts, and more. Keep the content fresh and relevant.
10. 80% of smart kiosks offer free phone calls and USB charging ports
The majority of smart kiosks go beyond internet — they offer free calls and charging. This is about accessibility and inclusion.
Free calling can be vital for people without a mobile plan, especially in emergencies.
Charging ports help users stay connected longer, especially tourists or the unhoused who may not have easy access to power.
When deploying kiosks, including these features can significantly increase public use and goodwill. People remember when a service helps them out of a jam.
From a design standpoint, make these tools visible and easy to access. Clearly label phone call functions and make sure USB ports are secure and protected from damage or weather.
Cities can also use this feature to build partnerships. For example, local sponsors could “sponsor a charger” or brand the call interface, supporting the kiosk’s upkeep in exchange for exposure.
11. 35% of public WiFi networks in cities are located in transit stations
Transit stations are becoming more than just places to catch a train or bus — they’re now digital hubs. With 35% of city public WiFi networks found in these spots, it’s clear that transportation and connectivity are now working hand in hand.
For commuters, this is great. They can check email, download entertainment, or look up travel info while waiting. For cities, it’s a powerful engagement opportunity.
Transit stations are high dwell-time environments. People are standing still, often bored, and looking at their phones. That’s the perfect moment to offer useful content or services.
City planners should make sure these transit hotspots are strong and stable. Nothing frustrates commuters more than a dropped connection right when they’re checking their route.
Also, consider integrating real-time transit info directly into the login page. Think next train times, bus alerts, or alternate routes.
For advertisers, this is prime space. WiFi login portals at transit stations offer high visibility and repeated impressions.
That means more opportunities to influence, inform, or drive people toward local services.
If you’re running a transit agency, think of WiFi as part of the rider experience. A well-connected station can make a long wait feel more tolerable — and that builds loyalty.
12. Chicago has deployed more than 400 smart kiosks across business districts
Chicago has taken a smart and strategic approach to kiosk placement — especially in business-heavy areas.
With 400+ kiosks now live in these districts, the city is showing how digital infrastructure can support daily commerce.
Placing kiosks in business zones helps both workers and visitors. They can use them to find offices, check transit updates, or even discover nearby lunch spots. This increases foot traffic and boosts the local economy in small but steady ways.
Businesses can benefit directly by partnering with kiosk operators to feature their promotions or listings.
A coffee shop that shows up on the nearby screen is more likely to get that next customer walking down the block.
This also offers an opening for B2B services. If you help companies advertise, develop branded maps, or manage digital content, there’s a growing demand in cities like Chicago where the physical-digital experience is merging on the sidewalk.
If you’re a city planner, take note of how placement affects usage.
Put kiosks where people naturally pause — intersections, plazas, or outside large office buildings. It’s not just about density — it’s about where attention is.
13. Over 50% of public WiFi hotspots in cities are operated by private telecoms
More than half of public WiFi hotspots are run by private companies — not the government. This shows the growing role of telecom providers in shaping the public internet experience.
This isn’t necessarily bad. Private firms often move faster and bring better infrastructure.
But it does raise questions about access, data privacy, and long-term sustainability.
For city officials, this is a call to build smarter partnerships.
When negotiating with telecoms, make sure there are clear agreements on uptime, user data, and public access terms. Include clauses that ensure open access, not paywalled services.
For telecoms, this is a branding opportunity. Offering fast, free WiFi in key public areas is a great way to build goodwill and attract new users to your paid plans. You can even use public networks to upsell better speeds or private access to businesses nearby.
And for entrepreneurs, this trend opens the door for “WiFi-as-a-Service” platforms — tools that help manage access, handle user data responsibly, and track performance.
Cities may not always run the networks, but they should always help set the rules.
14. San Francisco provides public WiFi in 33+ major parks and plazas
San Francisco has invested in making outdoor spaces more digitally connected. With over 33 parks and plazas covered by public WiFi, the city is turning its green spaces into tech-friendly zones.
This move is about more than just convenience. It reflects a broader push to make public areas more usable — not just for walking and sitting, but for working, learning, and connecting.
WiFi in parks supports students doing homework, freelancers working outdoors, and families staying connected during long visits.
It also supports events — imagine live polling, ticketing, or schedule updates all pushed through the park network during a festival.
If you manage public spaces, consider this model. Adding WiFi to outdoor areas doesn’t just support users — it increases the value of the space. And the cost of basic outdoor WiFi is lower than ever.
For tech providers, this trend calls for rugged, weatherproof equipment and solar-powered setups. There’s also room for analytics tools that track usage while respecting privacy — giving cities insight into how parks are used.
15. 43% of people say public WiFi is “essential” for daily connectivity
Nearly half of the population now sees public WiFi as a daily need — not a nice-to-have. That changes the whole conversation.
Public WiFi has moved into the same mental space as water fountains, restrooms, or trash cans. It’s an expected amenity.
This expectation means that poor or missing coverage can frustrate people and reduce satisfaction with a city’s public services.
For city leaders, this means planning WiFi like you plan roads or lights.
Make it wide-reaching, stable, and well-maintained. Don’t hide it away — make it visible. Promote it as a core part of your city’s commitment to equity and access.
For businesses, this shows why offering free WiFi isn’t just a perk — it’s a draw. Customers are more likely to stay longer and spend more if they can connect easily.
For infrastructure companies and startups, the shift to “essential” status means growing demand. There’s room for smart meters, service monitors, security tools, and managed network offerings that serve this growing need.
16. 20% of public WiFi networks in cities are connected to fiber backhaul
Only 1 in 5 public WiFi networks in cities currently run on fiber — the gold standard of high-speed connectivity.
This matters because fiber is what allows public WiFi to be truly fast and reliable. Networks without it often struggle with slow speeds or dropped connections, especially during peak hours.
If you’re setting up or expanding public WiFi, investing in fiber backhaul is the smartest long-term move. It ensures that the front-end experience (the user’s phone or laptop) stays smooth even with high demand.
Cities should work with ISPs and local utilities to prioritize fiber access in dense areas, and then expand to underserved neighborhoods.
Look for funding opportunities through federal digital inclusion programs to make this scalable.
If you’re a vendor or contractor, offering turnkey fiber-enabled WiFi setups can give your bid a huge edge.
And if you’re in the startup world, tools that help cities map, plan, or share fiber backhaul resources could be in growing demand.
17. 57% of smart kiosk users access city service portals or directories
More than half of people who use smart kiosks aren’t just looking for maps or directions — they’re accessing city services.
That could mean paying parking tickets, looking up business licenses, or finding public assistance info. It proves that kiosks are more than digital billboards — they’re real access points to civic life.
If your city is deploying kiosks, don’t just focus on what tourists need.
Think about how residents interact with local government. Make those services front and center. The kiosk should be an easy on-ramp to city hall.
Use plain language, intuitive icons, and minimize the steps it takes to complete a task. Test the interface with real users — not just your IT team.
There’s also room for cross-promotion. If someone pays for parking at a kiosk, show them nearby free events or a discount for local transit. Make the experience connected.
For service designers and civic tech firms, this trend opens up a growing niche: designing kiosk-ready versions of city services.
18. Miami saw a 38% increase in public WiFi usage post-COVID
Miami’s WiFi use jumped nearly 40% after the pandemic — and it hasn’t slowed down.
This signals a larger trend across the country: remote work, hybrid lifestyles, and digital-first behavior are here to stay.
People are working from beaches, parks, sidewalks, and coffee shops. Public WiFi is now part of the professional toolkit — not just something for students or tourists.
Cities need to respond to this shift by expanding coverage, improving speed, and treating digital access as part of economic recovery.
More people working in public spaces means more activity, more spending, and more vibrancy.
Local businesses can tap into this by offering “remote work friendly” zones with extra seating, plugs, and secure WiFi extensions. Promote these spaces as remote-work hotspots.
For tech vendors, tools that support this nomadic workforce — like cloud printing, mobile hotspot integration, or secure VPN kits — are in high demand.
19. 62% of smart kiosks are equipped with environmental sensors
Smart kiosks are now doing more than showing maps. With 62% having environmental sensors, they’re becoming real-time data collectors.
These sensors can track air quality, noise levels, temperature, and more. That helps cities monitor urban health, detect safety issues, and even guide urban planning decisions.
If your city isn’t tapping into this data, you’re missing a powerful tool. Use it to inform climate strategy, guide traffic planning, or alert residents about poor air quality.
Sensor-equipped kiosks can also become early warning systems — alerting nearby users of storms, high heat, or pollution spikes.
For startups and environmental service providers, integrating real-time sensor dashboards, analytics, or citizen engagement tools into kiosks is a fast-growing opportunity.
20. 48% of city-deployed public WiFi is used during commuting hours
Almost half of all public WiFi use happens when people are on the move — morning and evening rush hours.
That means people are relying on connectivity while they’re commuting — whether they’re in a subway, on a bus, or walking to work. It also means networks in those zones get hammered twice a day.
If you’re designing a public WiFi network, pay special attention to transit corridors, main intersections, and major hubs. Reinforce those areas with higher capacity or dedicated support.
Businesses and agencies can also use this pattern to time their digital outreach. A message sent at 8:00 AM through a public WiFi network can hit thousands of people when they’re most attentive.
If you’re a tech provider, think about features that cater to commuters: fast-loading apps, real-time alerts, audio content integration, or low-data mode features.
21. Washington D.C. offers over 3,000 public WiFi access points
Washington D.C. has made digital access a priority, with more than 3,000 WiFi hotspots spread throughout the city.
These access points are available in libraries, parks, recreation centers, and even on public transportation.
This wide coverage reflects D.C.’s focus on closing the digital divide. It ensures that residents across neighborhoods — not just in downtown or affluent areas — have reliable access to online tools and services.
For other cities, D.C. is a strong example of public planning done right.
Instead of putting all the hotspots in one area, they spread them out based on where people live, work, and gather.
If you’re involved in city planning or community development, consider using demographic and usage data to guide your hotspot locations. Go beyond just downtown — think about underserved areas, schools, senior centers, and residential corridors.
For businesses or organizations in D.C., promoting your proximity to these access points could help draw in foot traffic.
And for nonprofits working on education, housing, or job readiness, this network is an asset — use it to expand your reach.
22. 41% of users use public WiFi to complete financial or government tasks
When people use public WiFi for tasks like paying bills, managing bank accounts, or filing taxes, it shows a high level of trust — or necessity. About 41% of users are doing these tasks while on a public connection.
This raises two major points. First, public WiFi isn’t just for entertainment — it’s part of how people manage their lives. Second, these types of tasks involve sensitive data, which means security is non-negotiable.
Cities and network operators need to ensure secure connections and guide users through best practices.
For example, provide HTTPS-secured login portals, post clear instructions on logging out of sessions, and promote safe usage reminders.
Service providers — banks, local governments, and utility companies — should also make sure their websites are optimized for mobile access and designed to be secure even over public connections.
This stat also shows there’s a demand for dedicated kiosks or access zones for government tasks — especially in areas where residents may not have reliable home internet.
23. Houston’s smart kiosk program saw 500,000 user interactions in its first year
Houston’s smart kiosk rollout had a strong debut — with half a million interactions in year one. That’s a clear sign people will use public tech when it’s useful, well-placed, and promoted effectively.
A successful kiosk program doesn’t just happen by placing screens randomly.
Houston focused on high-traffic areas and integrated features that mattered — maps, transit info, emergency alerts, and even event guides.
If you’re launching a kiosk program, focus on a few critical things: relevance, design, and visibility. Don’t overload the interface with too many features. Stick with what people need: directions, safety alerts, and connections to local services.
Track user interactions and improve over time. Houston’s early success likely came from listening to feedback and adjusting features accordingly.
This data also gives cities confidence to expand. If one kiosk gets thousands of taps per month, imagine what a network of 100 can do across a district.
24. 29% of all city smart kiosks are located within 0.5 miles of tourist attractions
Almost a third of smart kiosks are located near attractions — museums, landmarks, stadiums, and more.
This is smart placement, because tourists are often the ones looking for directions, transit info, or nearby spots to eat and shop.
If you’re planning kiosk deployment, target your city’s “visitor zones.” Think about where people pause and look around — entrances to attractions, major intersections, and hotel districts.
Work with tourism boards and business groups to make sure the content is rich and accurate. Include walking directions, event listings, or even discount codes for local venues.
For local shops and restaurants, there’s a big opportunity here. Being listed on or near a kiosk near an attraction increases your chances of getting discovered by out-of-town visitors who don’t know the area.
Tourist-heavy kiosks are also great places to test sponsored messages. They’re high traffic, high curiosity, and full of users ready to explore.
25. 39% of surveyed users are concerned about privacy on public WiFi
Privacy remains a major concern. Nearly 40% of users say they feel uneasy using public WiFi, fearing that their personal data might be exposed.
This tells us that while public WiFi is in demand, there’s still a trust gap. And fixing that is key to improving usage and satisfaction.
Cities and operators need to address this head-on. Use plain-language privacy notices. Offer network safety tips on the welcome screen. Make it clear whether or not the data is being logged or shared — transparency builds trust.
Even simple steps like using HTTPS and showing a secure connection badge can go a long way.
For vendors, this opens an opportunity. Offering security layers for public WiFi — like login encryption, auto logouts, or opt-in VPN tools — is becoming a must-have feature.
For cities, education campaigns matter. Run short videos or kiosk slideshows that explain safe usage in under 30 seconds. Make people feel informed, not afraid.
26. 85% of smart kiosks in major cities are ADA-compliant
Accessibility is no longer optional. With 85% of smart kiosks now meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines, cities are making serious progress in making tech available to everyone.
That means screen height, button size, voice guidance, and wheelchair access all need to be part of the design. And it’s not just about physical access — screen readers, visual contrast, and easy language matter too.
If you’re designing kiosks, follow universal design principles from the start. Don’t retrofit later. Include features like audio instructions, tactile buttons, and adjustable display settings.
For cities, promoting ADA compliance is more than regulatory — it shows inclusion. Highlight accessibility features during rollouts. Encourage local disability advocates to give feedback and test interfaces.
Vendors who specialize in ADA upgrades or audits can find growing demand as cities look to expand or replace outdated tech.
27. Philadelphia’s public WiFi covers 95% of the downtown core
Philadelphia has taken public connectivity seriously. With nearly full downtown coverage, the city has turned its core into a digital-first zone.
This changes how people interact with the space. Tourists navigate with ease. Remote workers find reliable connections. Local vendors benefit from greater foot traffic and online discovery.
If you’re leading a city’s digital plan, aim for full coverage in one district first — then expand. Prove the value, gather feedback, and use real-world results to unlock more funding.
Businesses in coverage areas can promote free WiFi as part of their customer experience. A “connected café” or “WiFi plaza” is more attractive than one with dead zones.
Cities should also track usage and look for gaps. Use digital heat maps to find weak spots or zones with high demand. Optimize as needed.
28. 58% of city officials rank public WiFi as a “high-priority” infrastructure investment
Over half of city leaders now see public WiFi as just as important as roads or bridges. That’s a major shift.
This recognition means budgets are being allocated, RFPs are being issued, and long-term plans are being made. It also means cities are open to partnerships, innovation, and public input.
If you’re in the tech space — network design, installation, support, or security — this is your time to shine. Cities want reliable partners who can deliver results and report on performance.
For policy advocates, this is a chance to ensure access remains equitable. Push for inclusion of underserved neighborhoods, not just downtowns.
City officials should tie WiFi to other goals — economic growth, public safety, education. A well-connected city becomes smarter, more flexible, and more attractive to both residents and visitors.
29. The average smart kiosk costs $10,000–$15,000 to install
Installing a smart kiosk isn’t cheap — costs run from $10,000 to $15,000 per unit. But that price tag includes a lot: the hardware, display, connectivity, security, installation, and maintenance.
That means cities need to plan carefully. Where you place kiosks, how they’re used, and who maintains them all affect the long-term value.
Funding can come from many places — city budgets, grants, private sponsorships, or advertising partnerships. Get creative. Cities have successfully offset costs by allowing ad space or charging nearby businesses for premium listings.
If you’re in the kiosk business, offer flexible models: leasing, ad-subsidized, or modular pricing for different features. Help cities understand the total cost of ownership and how to stretch their investment.
For public sector officials, think of kiosks as public utilities. They help residents, tourists, workers — everyone. The key is not to think short term. Done well, kiosks can pay for themselves in service value, efficiency, and public goodwill.
30. 76% of public WiFi usage in urban areas occurs indoors (cafes, libraries, terminals)
Most public WiFi use happens indoors. That means people are connecting while seated, working, studying, or waiting — not just walking by.
This stat reminds us that indoor networks need just as much attention as outdoor ones. Cafes, libraries, transit terminals, and coworking spaces are WiFi hubs — and they need to be fast, safe, and easy to access.
City programs should include indoor locations in their WiFi rollouts. Libraries, community centers, and government buildings can anchor reliable networks in every neighborhood.
For businesses, this means WiFi is part of your customer service. Don’t just offer it — make sure it works. Get rid of clunky logins. Protect user privacy. Monitor uptime.
Vendors and managed service providers can create packages designed for these high-use indoor areas, offering custom branding, analytics, and technical support.
When people settle into a place, they expect the internet to just work. Deliver that, and you’ll earn their time, attention, and loyalty.
wrapping it up
Public WiFi and smart kiosks are no longer futuristic concepts — they’re here, shaping the way cities work and how people live. As the data shows, usage is high, expectations are rising, and the need for reliable infrastructure is clearer than ever.
