
LinkNYC is a game-changer for New Yorkers, providing free public Wi-Fi to the city. The initiative was launched in 2015 with the goal of replacing 6,000 payphones with over 7,500 LinkNYC kiosks.
These kiosks offer not only free Wi-Fi but also phone charging stations, a tablet for accessing city services and information, and a 911 call button. They're a convenient and modern way to stay connected.
The kiosks are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, with a 24/7 power supply. This ensures they remain functional even in extreme weather conditions.
LinkNYC kiosks are placed in high-traffic areas throughout the city, making them easily accessible to residents and visitors alike.
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Public Wi-Fi Services
LinkNYC provides free, superfast public Wi-Fi across New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia. This means you can stay connected and access the internet from any of the Link kiosks.
To get online, simply enter your email address and click-to-connect. Once registered, you won't need to re-enter your details for another year. This makes it super convenient to stay connected on the go.
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Alternatively, iOS device users can choose to use Passpoint Wi-Fi for an instant and secure connection. This is made possible by downloading a secure one-time profile to your mobile device.
LinkNYC offers an encrypted network for Passpoint-enabled devices, making it the first encrypted public Wi-Fi network of this scale. This adds a critical layer of protection to your personal data.
The LinkNYC network is designed to handle a massive amount of traffic, with peak mobile data offload reaching 400 TBs per month. This is equivalent to 100 million sessions per month.
Here are some key statistics about the LinkNYC network:
- Peak mobile data offload: 400 TBs / 100m sessions pcm
- Average weekly Wi-Fi sessions: 5-6 million
- Average weekly data downloaded: 60 TB
- Average weekly data upload: 6.5 TB
Concerns and Issues
The LinkNYC kiosks have been criticized for their high cost, with each kiosk costing around $250,000 to install and maintain.
Many New Yorkers have expressed concerns about the kiosks' impact on their neighborhoods, with some worrying that they will lead to a decrease in property values.
The kiosks' Wi-Fi and phone charging services are available for free, but users must create an account to access them, which has been a point of contention for some.
The LinkNYC kiosks have been designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, with solar panels and LED lights reducing their carbon footprint.
Some critics have argued that the kiosks are too large and obtrusive, with some measuring over 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
The LinkNYC kiosks have been installed in over 500 locations across the city, with plans to expand to over 5,500 locations in the future.
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Implementation and Planning
LinkNYC was launched in 2015 with a goal to replace the city's existing payphones with high-tech kiosks.
The kiosks are equipped with free Wi-Fi, phone calls, and device charging, making them a valuable resource for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Each kiosk is designed to provide a safe and welcoming space for users, with features such as a touchscreen interface and a 55-inch screen displaying local information and advertisements.
The kiosks are also equipped with 311 and 911 capabilities, allowing users to quickly and easily contact the city's customer service or emergency services.
Employees at NYC
As you plan your implementation, it's essential to consider the team that will be executing your project. Employees at NYC are familiar with the digital infrastructure that will be used for LinkNYC.
They will be working closely with the project, so it's crucial to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.
Siting
Siting is a crucial aspect of implementing LinkNYC kiosks. All kiosks must be installed citywide to replace payphones and fill existing coverage gaps.
To ensure a smooth installation process, OTI consults with the relevant Borough President, Council Member, Community Board, and Business Improvement District. The proposed sites are then posted on Open Data for public review.
Link5G kiosks, in particular, have specific siting requirements. 90% of them will be deployed in The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and above 96th Street in Manhattan.

Each block can only have one Link5G kiosk, and it must be on one side of the street. The kiosk must be at least 18 inches from the curb face.
To maintain pedestrian safety, a clear path of 8 feet or one-half the sidewalk width must be maintained around each kiosk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns LinkNYC?
LinkNYC is owned by CityBridge, a New York City-based consortium responsible for its operation and oversight. CityBridge manages the program, including its 5G expansion, Link5G.
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