Smart city

We want Croydon to be recognised as a world-class digital and smart city. Using new ideas and technology we’re working to make our borough and our public services smarter and more sustainable.

We want Croydon to be recognised as a world-class digital and smart city. Using new ideas and technology we’re working to make our borough and our public services smarter and more sustainable.

We have an ambitious smart city programme to use technology and innovation to overcome local challenges by developing solutions that benefit Croydon residents and visitors, while continuing to attract business growth.

Improving digital skills in Croydon

We live in a fast paced tech world and making sure Croydon is ready for the changes is key to the borough’s economic success. Our people are at the centre of this so it’s essential we support growth and skills in our developing tech sector.

Find out more about our digital inclusion work to help you stay connected.

Croydon’s digital strategy

Our digital strategy 2019 to 2024 sets a clear direction for the work of the council’s digital service over the next 5 years, in collaboration with colleagues and external partners, to digitally enhance our borough and transform the council’s systems and services.

As part of this, we’ve created Croydon Digital – a shared space bringing together voices from Croydon businesses, community groups, residents, the council and wider public sector to make things happen and promote Croydon’s digital scene.

High-speed broadband for Croydon

We all want faster, more reliable broadband, so we’re working with several ultrafast network providers to install fibre infrastructure in council blocks and estates to enable broadband speeds of up to up to 1GB to 97% of social housing in the borough.

Surveys will start autumn 2019 and the first installations during winter 2019. We hope to have all blocks and estates completed by the winter 2021.

If you have any queries about works happening where you live, contact the network provider directly:

As the network infrastructure improves across the borough, businesses and those living in private properties will also be able to benefit and have the ability to sign up and access the faster internet speeds.

Getting the best broadband deal

You’re under no obligation to sign-up to the network providers working in your area. If you’re happy with your current service, you can continue with them. 
 
It’s up to you to make sure you get the best deal for your broadband, so be sure to research the options in your area. Find out more about broadband coverage, and run a speed test for your address.

Internet of things

Internet of things (IoT) is a strange term, only really understood by techies, however, in a nutshell, it’s about the things that we use every day being able to collect and exchange data. Like the smart home devices that you may have heard advertised on the TV or radio, which allow you to control things in your home, like your lights, appliances and heating whilst you’re on the move, via a mobile device.

We’re part of the South London Partnership's InnOvaTe Project which was awarded £4 million for a South London multi-purpose ‘Internet of Things’ platform project to help people live better, healthier lives and to generate economic growth.

Working in partnership with local company Loqiva, the local company behind PalaceApp, a Digital Town Hub which has been developed with local businesses and residents in Crystal Palace, we are piloting the app in three other areas of the borough; South Norwood, Purley and Thornton Heath. 

Businesses will be able to create a profile, events and offers on the platform which will display on the app, both of which are expected to be available this summer.

Residents and visitors to the area can download the free app to bring the best of the local area straight to their phone.

This project is part of our #LoveCroydonShopLocal campaign which celebrates Croydon’s businesses and high streets and encourages residents to support them as much as they can.