Possible Wi-Fi and 5G Tracking Update Could be Added to Reading Payphones

Payphones in the town centre of Reading could be replaced with Wi-Fi and 5G-enabled screens.

12:13 29 September 2021

Payphones in Reading town centre could be replaced with new Wi-Fi and 5G-enabled screens soon. 

 

According to the proposal submitted by BT to Reading Borough Council, old BT payphones would be replaced with kiosks called InLink. The innovative kiosks are designed to provide services like free Wi-Fi and will have the ability to measure air quality and traffic congestion. 

 

If approved, the InLink hubs will be installed on Broad and Friar Streets. 

 

InLinks hubs, which feature advertising screens on one side and payphones on the other side, have been previously launched in other areas. They can now be found in 23 cities and towns across the United Kingdom. They have USB charging, an emergency service button, free UK calls and 1Gbps free public Wi-Fi. 

 

The planning application states: “Street Hubs have the potential to significantly enhance the provision of local community communications facilities and services.

 

“It is precisely the type of high-speed digital infrastructure that the government is seeking to support as part of the presumption in favour of sustainable development and a smart city vision.

 

“It will deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits by providing a suite of essential urban tools/services, including free ultrafast Wi-Fi, mobile small cells, monitoring sensors and public messaging capabilities to the benefit of the council, residents, businesses, and visitors in this area.”