Wi-Fi, phone calls, device charging, local information, and access to civic and emergency services will soon be available to all Philadelphians… for free.
LinkPHL kiosks, provided by Intersection, a smart cities technology and media company, will be installed throughout Center City, University City, and other locations across Philadelphia.
“LinkPHL will be an investment in Philadelphia’s future, creating 21st century infrastructure in the heart of the city,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “But more importantly, the kiosks will provide the sort of modern services that our residents and visitors need as they work and play in the city — at no cost to taxpayers.”
One hundred of the self-standing LinkPHL kiosks, called Links, have been approved for installation from the City’s Art Commission and the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems.
LinkPHL offers device charging from two integrated USB quick-charge ports, free phone calls across the United States, direct 911 emergency calling, a touchscreen tablet for access to city services, information on city events, art and culture, in addition to high-speed, secure access to Wi-Fi that is 100x faster than average public Wi-Fi and LTE on mobile devices.
The Links are at no cost to the city, as they are supported completely through advertising, according to officials.
In addition to covering the costs of building, installation, maintenance and upgrades, advertising is also expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for Philadelphia, with a minimum annual guaranteed payment of $450,000 after the installation of the kiosks.
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Officials say the revenue generated from the Links will help to fund public services.
Intersection has already installed 1,000 Links in New York City and has launched a project across the UK, with anticipation of thousands more set to be deployed over the next few years.
