BT to Launch 1Gbps “Ultrafast” FREE WiFi Service via Kiosks in London

Telecoms giant BT has announced a new partnership with Intersection (LinkNYC) and advertising company Primesight that will enable them to deploy free “ultrafast” (up to 1Gbps) public WiFi, free UK landline / mobile phone calls and a range of other digital services across London’s major high streets.

The new LinkUK service will be delivered via specially designed kiosks called “Links” (pictured) and funded by the revenues from advertising on the kiosks large 55″ HD digital displays. As part of the deal Primesight will also be able to sell advertising on nearly 17,500 BT payphone kiosks across the UK.

Furthermore the “Links“, which are set to replace “hundreds of BT’s existing phone boxes across the capital“, are expected to support mobile device charging (two USB charging ports) and access to maps, directions and local services via a touchscreen tablet.

On top of that the kiosks will feature special sensors, which can capture real-time data relating to the local environment, including for example, air and noise pollution, outdoor temperature and traffic conditions. This could provide some useful information for local councils and communities etc.

Gerry McQuade, CEO of BT Wholesale and Ventures, said:

“We’re evolving the phone box to make it relevant in the 21st century by offering people ultrafast Wi-Fi and a range of digital and information services entirely for free. London is one of the greatest cities in the world and it’s entirely fitting that it becomes the first UK city to benefit from the Links.

But we will be rolling out many more Links to the other great cities across the UK over the coming months as we look to transform the look and functionality of our public payphones.”

The new kiosks take up less space on the pavement and will be installed in smaller numbers than the existing payphones they replace, which BT views as “helping to reduce the amount of clutter on the street.”

Apparently ‘up to’ 100 Links are expected to be installed in the London Borough of Camden alone, with the first ones due to appear sometime in 2017. Overall at least 750 Links will then be installed across central London and in major cities across the United Kingdom over the next few years.