New York City Hangs Up Pay Phones, Announces ‘LinkNYC’ Digital Hubs

Public Wi-Fi. Free domestic calls. And even the opportunity to video-chat from the street. The classic New York City pay phone is getting a high-tech upgrade next year that will provide wireless Internet throughout the five boroughs.

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office announced that some 6,400 pay phones will be replaced by so-called “LinkNYC” devices, sleek structures with a 24-hour, 150-foot-radius Wi-Fi, phone capabilities free of charge and streaming digital advertisements providing what officials anticipate will be at least $20 million in ad revenue annually.