NYC Launches Free Public Wi-Fi System

Michael Appleton/Michael Appleton

Getting online is getting a whole lot easier in the five boroughs of New York City.

The city launched a free public Wi-Fi system yesterday that transforms old pay phones into Internet hotspots, the beginning of what will one day be the largest municipal network in the world.

The former pay phones will give anyone signed up to the network, known as “Links”, Wi-Fi access as long as they are within a 150-foot radius of the kiosk.

Those hotspots also include a landline that allows free phone calls anywhere in the U.S., two USB charging ports, a tablet for accessing the Web, and a red 911 button for emergency calls.

Mayor de Blasio, who kicked off the new system with an inaugural phone call to 311, said it’s necessary to bring fast Internet access to all communities, including low-income New Yorkers who might not be able to afford it. “In 2016, Internet access is not a luxury, it’s not something optional,” de Blasio said. “It’s something everybody needs.”

The mayor spoke at one of the kiosks on 16th St. and Third Ave. in Manhattan, which was one of the 15 that became active yesterday.

CityBridge, a consortium of private companies that inked a franchise agreement with the city to convert the old pay phones, is installing the hotspots on a rolling basis, and has pledged to have over 500 up by July.

That agreement requires them to install at least 7,500 over the next eight years, which would make it the largest system of its kind in the world.

Although users have to give their email to join, officials said those addresses won’t be sold to third parties.

Those who do sign up, and choose “remember this network” on their phone, will automatically join the “Links” network when they pass other hot spots.

The system won’t cost the city any money because CityBridge has agreed to pay all the installation costs as part of the franchise agreement.

CityBridge will also give the city a portion of the revenue it collects on ads outside the kiosks.

It has guaranteed half of that revenue or $500 million for the city, depending on what’s greater.

Despite touting its benefits, de Blasio admitted that he probably won’t use it much since he’s staying loyal to his antiquated phone. “I love my flip phone,” he said.

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