Telecommunications Network Infrastructure Sharing: An Assessment from Smart Cities Perspective

Cartagena de Indias is a Colombian tourist city whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage site. In recent years, the city has experienced significant expansion, capitalizing on the benefits derived from the sharing of the telecommunications network infrastructure (TNI). However, the impact of this infrastructure on the quality of life of citizens remains unknown. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of TNI sharing on the quality of life of citizens of Cartagena de Indias. The methodology consisted of four phases: a review of current regulations, the design of protocols and data collection instruments, data collection, and analysis of results. These phases were conducted using a quantitative exploratory approach, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The results obtained were a list of characteristics describing the condition of TNI, which were used to assess the impact of TNI on quality of life, analyzing both the aesthetic impact on public spaces and the risks it poses to the physical safety of maintenance personnel, citizens, and the infrastructure itself. Finally, it was concluded that the main issue lies in the fact that the condition of most TNI not only negatively impacts urban aesthetics but also poses a risk of safety, affecting the quality of life of those who inhabit or visit the city. These findings highlight the importance of integrating the technologies and strategies characteristic of a smart city to improve the management and monitoring of TNI, optimizing both the safety and the urban experience.