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Verizon installs free Wi-Fi kiosks in upstate NY

May 30, 2018

New Rochelle, New York, is the first city in the country to have Verizon's Digital Kiosks, according to The Journal News.

The kiosks provide free internet access, allow charging mobile devices, and give weather and city navigation information. Users can place a phone call and access information on places to shop, eat and find public transportation. There's also an emergency 911 call button.  

Workers are already installing five kiosks, with 24 planned throughout the city. Kiosks have been installed near Montefiore Medical Center, city hall, the bus terminal on North Avenue and The Boulevard, and around Pop's Espresso on Huguenot Street. 

LQD Wifi, which was bought in 2016 by Verizon, designed the kiosks. LQD Wifi will operate, maintain and fund the installations. 

Luiz Aragon, development commissioner for New Rochelle, said the city gets free advertising on the kiosks' advertising panels while Verizon receives revenue from paid ads. New Rochelle’s Twitter stream is displayed on the touchscreen.