The look of London’s streets is set to change as BT rolls out its Link wifi kiosks
London’s street furniture will take a turn to the future as unloved phone booths are set to be transformed into super fast wifi emitting obelisks, as BT rolls out its LinkUK kiosks.
Hundreds of users within range of a Link will be able to access free ultrafast Wi-Fi on the move, with speeds of up to 1Gbps – the fastest free public Wi-Fi service available – of great news to anyone running cloud CAD on the move.
The next evolution of BT’s public payphone service will replace hundreds of BT’s existing phone boxes, which will also feature sensors that can capture real-time data relating to the local environment – including air and noise pollution, outdoor temperature and traffic conditions.
The design features two HD advertising displays, as well as two USB charge ports
Each Link will give users free services including up to 1Gbps Wi-Fi, two USB charging ports, a touchscreen tablet for accessing maps, directions and local services and free UK landline and mobile phone calls.
Links will also have two 55” (139.7cm) high-definition digital displays, able to display public service announcements, as well as neighbourhood advertising for global and local businesses enabling them to reach customers at the right place and right time.
The first Link boxes are due to appear in 2017 around the London Borough of Camden, with 750 Links to be installed across central London and in major cities across the UK over the next few years.
Gerry McQuade, CEO, BT Wholesale and Ventures, said: “We’re evolving the phone box to make it relevant in the 21st century by offering people ultrafast Wi-Fi and a range of digital and information services entirely for free.”
