The service will be start to be rolled out to other high streets in London and major cities throughout the country this year. Each InLink will support hundreds of users and will support mobile device charging, access to maps, directions and local services, and a new BT Phone Book app enabling users to search for businesses by type and name, as well as people by name.
InLinks’ digital displays will feature real-time information, such as tube service updates, weather forecasts, and community messaging. All their services are free of charge to users and taxpayers as the project is funded by advertising revenue generated by InLinks’ digital displays. The units are more compact than a traditional payphone booth and will be installed in smaller numbers than the payphones they will replace.
London is the second city to benefit from the units, following the launch of LinkNYC last year. Since the first units were switched on in New York City in January 2016, more than 1.8 million users have registered to use the Wi-Fi service.
Gerry McQuade, CEO, 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.”
Matt Bird, general manager, InLinkUK, said: “InLinks introduce the technology we need to create a better urban environment. InLinks in the future will feature sensors to capture real-time environmental data, such as pollution and traffic conditions, never seen before in the UK at such a micro level.
“InLinks’ free connectivity and essential digital services will create connected corridors throughout the city to connect businesses to customers, residents to local services and visitors to a new part of London.”
Naren Patel, CEO, Primesight, said: “As London continues to develop as a smart city, the launch of the InLinks will provide a real value exchange between consumers and brands.
“Consumers will see relevant content from brands on the screens and use the free services provided, and in turn brands will benefit from being associated with a product that will provide real benefits to the people in the communities. It’s a fast, smart, ad-funded product that is set to benefit consumers and advertisers alike.
“We’re looking forward to the installation of new InLinks over the next 12 months across London and the UK as we continue to invest in Digital Out of Home.”
Ari Buchalter, CEO, Intersection, said: “As a global hub for business, technology, and culture, London is the perfect environment for digital innovation.
“As we’ve seen in New York City with LinkNYC, providing free high-speed Wi-Fi access, real-time information, engaging content, and digital services on city streets can valuably enrich people’s experiences of a city on their daily journeys between home, work, shopping, and entertainment.
“It also provides unique opportunities for brands to deliver truly relevant advertising in the context of those real-world experiences. We’re excited about the potential of InLinkUK from BT to transform everyday life for residents and visitors of London and cities throughout the UK.”
