BT’s First 1Gbps Free WiFi Offering InLinkUK Kiosks Go Live in London

Telecoms operator BT has today switched on the first of their new InLinkUK (formerly LinkUK) smart kiosks in London, which will be able to offer free Gigabit public WiFi, free UK phone calls, USB device charging and a range of other digital services to help people passing within the vicinity.

The new InLinks, which were first announced last year as part of a partnership between BT, Intersection (LinkNYC) and advertising company Primesight, will eventually replace over 1,000 pay phones in major cities across the United Kingdom. Funding for the kiosks is expected to be extracted via revenues from advertising on the kiosk’s large 55″ HD digital displays.

The kiosks take up less pavement space than a traditional payphone box and also include special sensors, which can capture real-time data relating to the local environment, such as air and noise pollution, outdoor temperature and traffic conditions (useful info. for local councils and communities).

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

“This is the phone box of the future. InLinkUK from BT brings the payphone up-to-date and gives people the services they need and use every day in the 21st century – 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.

And just as the phone box has evolved, the new InLinks could evolve to use the internet of things, with connected sensors to monitor and help us understand and improve our environment.”

The first of these new kiosks are now live on Camden High Street and many more should follow over the next 12 months in central London, as well as around other major cities.