1.4: Wi-Fi

Introduce Wi-Fi in more public spaces, including parks

Other Information:

WI-FI IN CITY PARKS -- To enable New Yorkers to stay more connected in more places, the City continues to work with private sector partners to bring Wi-Fi to more public places at no cost to taxpayers. In June 2011, Mayor Bloomberg and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson announced a public-private partnership that would bring unlimited free public Wi-Fi to 20 City parks across the fi ve boroughs. When the $5 million project is complete, New Yorkers will be able to choose from Wi-Fi hotspots at 26 locations in 20 City parks. In addition, the City will provide Wi-Fi access in at least 32 additional parks and public spaces as part of a $10 million commitment by Time Warner Cable and Cablevision, included in the City's cable franchise agreements. Access is free for up to 30 minutes per month, $.99 per day thereafter and free at all times to Time Warner Cable and Cablevision broadband subscribers. The Wi-Fi installations are underway, and the City expects to finish over 30 installations in all by the end of the year. In addition, dozens of privately operated public parks have entered into independent agreements. For a complete listing of current Wi-Fi access in City parks, visit nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/wi-fi. CELL SERVICE IN SUBWAYS -- In the summer of 2011, the MTA launched a pilot program with Transit Wireless to equip subway stations along the 14th Street corridor with 3G connectivity for cell phones and Wi-Fi. From June 25 through September 7, 2012, Google Offers sponsored free Wi-Fi connectivity for subway riders in six subway stations in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. With a franchise from the Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT), 30 more stations will have 3G connectivity by the end of 2012, mostly in the Midtown West area. Currently, AT&T and T-Mobile are participating in the program, and Transit Wireless is negotiating with other carriers to expand service and is partnering with Boingo for Wi-Fi installations in stations. Public Library Digital Initiatives -- Public libraries across the five boroughs are experiencing a renaissance thanks to their vital role in connecting New Yorkers to technology resources and the internet. Today, there is WiFi in every branch of every library in the City's three library systems: Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library and Queens Library. To serve public demand, libraries are investing in infrastructure with federal broadband grants, expanding technology training and digitizing their offerings.

Stakeholder(s):

• AT&T


• Time Warner Cable


• Cablevision


• Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT)


• T-Mobile


• Boingo


• New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC): MOBILE PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN NYC TAXIS: SQUARE PILOT -- The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) recently approved a pilot program to test alternatives to existing in-taxi technology systems. The TLC was approached by Square, Inc. with a viable proposal for a mobile, in-taxi technology system that allows customer to use their credit card swipe technology. Additionally, the TLC invited authorized providers of in-taxi technology system to submit proposals for similar alternative in-taxi technology systems.

Indicator(s):

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