NYC LINK: There are 1879 Active New York Links throughout the 5 boroughs
Q. What is LinkNYC?
LinkNYC is a first-of-its-kind communications network that is replacing New York City pay phones with state-of-the-art kiosks called Links. Each Link is equipped with free services like high-speed Wi-Fi, phone calls, a tablet for maps and city services, and device charging for anyone living in or visiting New York City to enjoy. In addition to Link’s features being free to the public, they also come at no cost to taxpayers. Links are installed across the five boroughs.
Q. What do Links do?
Links provide high-speed Wi-Fi, phone calls to anywhere in the U.S., device charging, a touch screen tablet for access to city services, maps and directions, and a 911 Emergency Call button. All of these services are free to use. Links also have two have two 55” high-definition digital screens used for public service announcements and advertising.
Q. How much does it cost to use Link?
All of Link’s features and services are 100% free! You can use the Wi-Fi, make a phone call to anywhere in the U.S., charge your phone, or use any of the pre-installed apps on Link’s tablet at no charge.
Links are supported by advertising on the kiosks’ 55” displays. Read more about our business model.
Q. What is gigabit Wi-Fi?
There is nothing slow about the way this city moves, and Link’s Wi-Fi speed is no exception. To put it in perspective, gigabit speed is up to 100 times faster than average public Wi-Fi and your mobile device’s LTE network.
Q. How is LinkNYC funded?
LinkNYC generates its own revenue through advertising, sponsorships and partnerships, ensuring that it comes at no cost to users or taxpayers and is well maintained. LinkNYC also generates millions of dollars in revenue for the City of New York.
Q. How does LinkNYC help the City?
There are millions of people in New York City who don’t have access to high-speed internet. LinkNYC helps fill this gap by making the fastest available Wi-Fi accessible for free on streets across the City. LinkNYC’s advertising platform also generates millions of dollars in revenue for New York City. The project has created hundreds of full-time jobs in manufacturing, technology and advertising.
Q. Do Links have cameras and what happens to the footage?
There are two security cameras on each Link. The cameras are turned off by default, and footage captured from any active cameras is stored for no longer than seven days unless the footage is necessary to investigate an incident.
All data and footage from LinkNYC cameras is subject to CityBridge’s privacy policy and we will not use or share this footage except (1) to improve Services and ensure the performance and security of the structures, (2) to detect or address illegal activity with a Link, (3) in response to vandalism, or (4) when required by law or to protect your safety, including during an emergency involving potential harm.
For more information about Law Enforcement and Government Data Requests, see our annual Transparency Reports.
There is also a camera built into each Link tablet that could be used for video calls in the future. This camera is user-activated only. This camera will not activate automatically during phone calls, wayfinding, charging or accessing any tablet feature. Footage from the tablet camera is not stored.
https://www.link.nyc/