New York City unveils the pay phone of the future—and it does a whole lot more than make phone calls
There are few pieces of infrastructure in any city more iconic than the pay phone. Clark Kent used it. So did Colin Farrell. And Bill. And Ted. The pay phone has been a time-travel machine, and a safe haven, and a comedic device.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/11/17/new-york-city-unveils-the-payphone-of-the-future-and-it-does-a-whole-lot-more-than-make-phone-calls/
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The New Kiosk: Not Your Father’s Pay Phone
The new design, known as LinkNYC, replaces the traditional phone booth with a sleek, modern kiosk. Standing about 9.5 feet tall, it features a large HD display for advertising and public service announcements, a touchscreen interface for accessing city services, and a keypad for making phone calls. The kiosk is built to withstand New York’s harsh weather, with reinforced glass and a durable aluminum frame.
The most striking feature is the free gigabit Wi-Fi, which is among the fastest public Wi-Fi in the world. The kiosk also includes a tablet-like interface that allows users to browse the web, check email, or access maps. For those in need of a charge, there are two USB ports and a standard electrical outlet for charging devices. And yes, you can still make a phone call—free to anywhere in the U.S.
- Free gigabit Wi-Fi with a range of up to 150 feet
- Free domestic phone calls via a built-in keypad and microphone
- USB charging ports and a standard outlet for devices
- A 55-inch HD display for advertising and public service announcements
- A touchscreen for accessing city services, maps, and information
The kiosk is designed to be accessible to all, including those with disabilities, with audio instructions and a braille keypad.
How It Works: The Technology Behind the Kiosks
The LinkNYC system relies on a fiber-optic network that the city has been building out for years. Each kiosk is connected to this network, providing the backbone for the high-speed Wi-Fi. The kiosks themselves are powered by a small computer running a customized operating system, and they communicate with a central management system to ensure they are always up to date and secure.
The advertising displays generate revenue, and the city receives a share of that revenue, which is used to maintain and expand the network. The kiosks are also equipped with sensors that monitor air quality, traffic, and other environmental data, which could be used for urban planning in the future.
One of the key engineering challenges was ensuring that the kiosks could provide reliable Wi-Fi in a dense urban environment with many competing signals. The kiosks use beamforming technology to focus signals towards users, improving speed and reducing interference. Additionally, each kiosk is equipped with a backup power system to keep essential services running during outages, and they are monitored remotely to quickly address any technical issues.
The Pilot Program and Rollout
The first batch of LinkNYC kiosks was installed as part of a pilot program in Manhattan, with the city planning to eventually replace all 7,500 payphones with these kiosks over several years. The project is being managed by a consortium of technology and advertising companies, which won the contract from the city after a competitive bidding process.
The pilot program was closely watched to see how New Yorkers would react to the new kiosks and whether they would actually be used. Initial reports showed that the free Wi-Fi was very popular, with thousands of users connecting each week. However, the city also had to address concerns about people lingering at the kiosks, leading to the implementation of time limits on internet browsing to discourage misuse and ensure fair access for all.
Privacy and Security Considerations
As with any public technology that collects data, privacy has been a major concern. The kiosks collect information such as device MAC addresses to provide the Wi-Fi service, and they may also collect usage data. The city has stated that it does not collect personally identifiable information without consent, and that data is encrypted and anonymized. However, privacy advocates have raised questions about the potential for surveillance and data sharing with third parties.
To address these concerns, the city has implemented strict privacy policies, including regular audits and transparency reports. Users can opt out of data collection by using a VPN or not using the Wi-Fi, though that limits the functionality. The kiosks also have physical privacy features, such as a privacy filter on the screen to prevent shoulder surfing when entering personal information.
Implications for New York City and Beyond
The LinkNYC project is a bold attempt to repurpose aging infrastructure for the digital age. By providing free high-speed internet access, the city aims to bridge the digital divide, giving low-income residents and visitors the ability to get online without a data plan. This could have significant economic and social benefits, from helping students with homework to enabling job seekers to apply for positions online.
The kiosks also serve as a platform for innovation. The city has opened up an API for developers to create apps that can run on the kiosks, potentially turning them into tools for wayfinding, emergency alerts, or cultural information. The advertising revenue model is also being watched by other cities, which may adopt similar approaches to fund public Wi-Fi.
While there have been bumps in the road, including technical glitches and debates over advertising content, the LinkNYC project is a fascinating example of how cities can leverage private investment to provide public services. It may well be a model for the future of urban connectivity, transforming the humble pay phone into a smart city hub that serves the needs of the 21st century.