BT has installed new digital street units in London, providing ultrafast speeds of up to 1Gbps as well as free phone calls and a range of new free digital services.
The first of these new units, called InLinks, which will replace some of BT’s existing payphones in the capital, have appeared on Camden High Street in London, thanks to a new partnership between BT, Intersection - the company behind LinkNYC, and Primesight - a leading UK outdoor advertising company.
The new InLinkUK from BT service will start to be rolled out to other high streets in London and major cities throughout the country this year.
Hundreds of users within range of an InLink 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.
Other services available from the InLinks will include free UK landline and mobile phone calls, mobile device charging, access to maps, directions and local services, and a new BT Phone Book app enabling users to search for businesses by type and name, as well as people by name.
InLinks’ digital displays will feature real-time information, such as tube service updates, weather forecasts, and community messaging.
All InLink services are free of charge to users and taxpayers as the project is funded by advertising revenue generated by the InLinks’ digital displays.
The InLink design takes up less space on the street than a traditional payphone and will be installed in smaller numbers than the existing payphones they replace, freeing up space on pavements, said BT.
London is the second city to benefit from the innovative units, following the launch of LinkNYC in New York City in January 2016.
Gerry McQuade, CEO, BT Wholesale & Ventures
InLinkUK from BT brings the payphone up-to-date and gives people the services they need and use every day in the 21stcentury - and the bonus is it’s all for free. But as well as the free services - ultrafast Wi-Fi, phone calls, rapid mobile charging and local information – councils and community organisations will be able to use the screens to provide up-to-the minute news and information to local residents.
Matt Bird, GM, InLinkUK
InLinks introduce the technology we need to create a better urban environment.InLinks in the future will feature sensors to capture real-time environmental data, such as pollution and traffic conditions, never seen before in the UK at such a micro level.
