LinkNYC is the New York City branch of an international infrastructure project to create a network covering several cities with free Wi-Fi service.

The office of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the plan on November 17, 2014, and the installation of the first kiosks, or "Links," started in late 2015.

The Links replace the city's network of 9,000 to 13,000 payphones, a contract for which expired in October 2014. The LinkNYC kiosks were devised after the government of New York City held several competitions to replace the payphone system.

The most recent competition, in 2014, resulted in the contract being awarded to the CityBridge consortium comprising Qualcomm; Titan and Control Group, which now make up Intersection; and CIVIQ Smartscapes.

LinkNYC is the Wi-Fi network New Yorkers deserve: the largest, fastest municipal Wi-Fi network in the world - and you won't need to insert a quarter in the slot, because it's completely free. LinkNYC bring us a couple steps closer to our goal of leveling the playing field and providing every New Yorker with access to the most important tool of the 21st century.

Mayor De Blasio

All of the 9.5-foot-tall (2.9 m) Links feature two 55-inch (140 cm) high-definition displays on their sides; Android tablet computers for accessing city maps, directions, and services, and making video calls; two free USB charging stations for smartphones; and a phone allowing free calls to all 50 states and Washington, D.C.. The Links also provide the ability to use calling cards to make international calls, and each Link has one button to call 9-1-1 directly.

The project brings free, encrypted, gigabit wireless internet coverage to the five boroughs by converting old payphones into Wi-Fi hotspots where free phone calls could also be made. As of July 2017, there are 920 Links citywide; eventually, there will be 7,500 Links installed in the New York metropolitan area, making the system the world's fastest and most expansive. Intersection has also installed InLinks in cities across the UK. The Links are seen as a model for future city builds as part of smart city data pools and infrastructure.

PODIUM DS55DD

The current Praevar standard product platform that would be suitable for this application is the PODIUM, utilizing Direct-Air-Cooled thermal management within a double sided 55" portrait sunlight readable display system.

Custom variants of this platform may be configured to offer all the attributes and features of the LinkNYC product, within a proprietary styled exterior cabinet.

Featured Installations

A snapshot of some of Praevar's digital installations across a variety of markets and applications