New York City introduces free Wi-Fi hotspots to payphones
updated 02:13 pm EDT, Thu July 12, 2012
Initial roll-out to ten locations, more planned
New York City has started a pilot program to add Wi-Fi access to its payphones. The new scheme sees an initial ten kiosks gain cost- and advertisement-free public Wi-Fi in the city, with a view to expanding the service to more locations if it is considered a success.
People connecting to the hotspot within its 300-foot range will have to accept terms and conditions on the New York tourism website before going online. The free service could see advisements added in the future to help cover the running costs and the $2000 installation fee for each unit by Van Wagner Communications, which operates most New York payphones.
Two locations in Brooklyn, one in Queens, and seven in Manhattan will be able to take part in the initial scheme. A post on the NYCGOV Tumblr account suggests more hotspots will be added to the list in the next few months. [via Pocket-Lint]
