NEW YORK—The 12,360 pay phones operated by the city could all become Wi-Fi hotspots in the future if a pilot project testing the proposition is well received.
Ten free wireless hotspots have already been converted during an exploratory period, the city’s Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT) announced Wednesday. Franchise agreements to service existing public phones are set to expire in October 2014.
“As we begin assessing the future of the pay phone in New York City, this pilot should help us gauge public interest in the amenities the next generation of devices might offer,” Chief Information and Innovation Officer Rahul N. Merchant said in a statement.
The Wi-Fi hotspots service electronic devices located within 100 to 200 feet from each kiosk. Users need only respond to a prompt for “Free Wi-Fi” or “NYC Free Public Wi-Fi” then accept the terms and conditions and begin browsing. The pay phones would remain fully operational.
Based on figures showing that more than 27 million calls were made on pay phones in 2011, not including calls to 911, city officials find pay phones are still used.
Questions remain, however, about whether the full 12,360 pay phones are needed, and the city wants the public to submit feedback. Alternatives could include Wi-Fi antennas, charging stations for cellphones, and electronic community bulletin boards.
Responses from anyone interested in submitting feedback will be accepted now through Aug. 22, via mail to DoITT, or by emailing [email protected]
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