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Good Riddance Payphones: NYC's Free Gigabit Wi-Fi Kiosks Go Live (networkworld.com)

Posted by timothy on from the upsides-of-density dept.

alphadogg writes: New York City on Thursday officially launched its payphone booth replacements: shiny new 9-foot-plus-high kiosks, dubbed Links, that offer free Gigabit-speed Wi-Fi as well as free domestic VoIP calls via a tablet app. Mayor Bill de Blasio, joined by vendor partners such as Qualcomm and NYC Department of IT and Telecommunications reps, showed off the first operating LinkNYC kiosks, just over a dozen of which are spread across 3rd Avenue for starters. The spacing of the hotspots will enable users to stay connected as they walk down the street. More than 500 of the advertising-supported kiosks are slated to be installed by mid-year, with promises of secure and private connectivity.

5 of 84 comments (clear)

  1. private by arth1 · · Score: 5, Informative

    with promises of secure and private connectivity.

    For values of "private" where you have to register with an e-mail address and every connection you make is linked to this account, and every web page you browse to is logged.

    1. Re:private by LordWabbit2 · · Score: 3, Funny

      "John Spartan, you are fined five credits for repeated violations of the verbal morality statute."

      --
      There are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third is statistics.
  2. Re:And how do I make a call? by BlacKSacrificE · · Score: 4, Informative
    From TFA.

    The kiosks, in addition to supporting encrypted Wi-Fi connectivity for hundreds of HotSpot 2.0-enabled devices within 150 feet of them, will each include two USB charging ports, a red 911 button to contact emergency services

    a red 911 button to contact emergency services

    Don't you think that just maybe a little detail like that might have been covered..?

    --
    [Sorry, this signature is unavailable in your country/region]
  3. Re:Just what the world needs... More advertisement by Tx · · Score: 4, Informative

    The ads play on big screens on the sides of the kiosk, as far as I can discern, you wouldn't even see them while making a call. They're just digital billboard space for passing pedestrians.

    --
    Oh no... it's the future.
  4. Re:Classist (if that's a word) by As_I_Please · · Score: 3

    https://www.link.nyc/

    Key Features
            - Use your personal device to connect to LinkNYC’s super fast, free Wi-Fi
            - Browse the web and access city services, maps and directions from the tablet
            - Make free phone calls to anywhere in the U.S. using the Vonage app on the tablet or the tactile keypad and microphone. Plug in your personal headphones for more privacy.
            - Use the dedicated red 911 button in the event of an emergency
            - Charge your device in a power-only USB port
            - Enjoy more room on the sidewalk with Link’s sleek, ADA-compliant design by Antenna
            - View public service announcements and more relevant advertising on two 55” HD displays