VIDEO INTERVIEW: Governments are starting to feel the pressure from increasing demands for instant technology services, according to neXgen CEO Ghazi Atallah, which is in turn driving smart city development across the world.

neXgen is a smart city specialist adviser that works with operators to develop a range of smart city solutions, and recently struck an agreement with Middle East operator Zain to develop safety, energy, and managed services across its footprint, through a separate entity.

Speaking to Mobile World Live at the recent Mobile 360 Middle East event in Dubai, Atallah believes the partnership with Zain, and recent smart city developments across Dubai, Riyadh and other parts of the Middle East, is a sign that the world is now ready for technology to cater to the inner workings of a city, with more understanding coming from policy makers on the benefits.

Increasing penetration of the smartphone, giving people constant connectivity, is also creating a buzz around smart cities, with users “demanding more seamless, convenient and available services”.

“The entire market, before, wasn’t ready,” he said. “We didn’t have the infrastructure, mobile devices, Internet of Things, or even the understanding for policy makers, but, now, citizens and residents are getting used to getting services when they want it.”

In the interview, Atallah also spoke of the potential for operators to tap into data opportunities emerging from smart city development. Click here to watch.