New York is set to become the most connected city on the planet, with a network of Link stations spring up across the city, replacing existing pay phone booths. Each Link will provide superfast, free public Wi-Fi, phone calls in the US, device charging and a tablet for internet browsing, access to city services, maps and directions.
Speaking at IPW in New Orleans, president and chief executive of NYC & Company, Fred Dixon, said that 500 kiosks were in the process of being installed this summer as part of a beta testing phase. “By 2019, there will be 4,500 of these units across the five boroughs. You’ll be able to ride in a taxi throughout the city and not lose Wi-Fi access,” he said.
“This will greatly improve the visitor experience in New York,” he said. “Data is the new air and water.”
LinkNYC is the result of cooperation between the City of New York and CityBridge, a NYC–based consortium of leading experts in technology, media, connectivity and user experience. Using the stations is completely free because it is funded through advertising.
