Qualcomm solutions support free public Wi-Fi with LinkNYC

It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle when walking down the streets of New York City. With over 8 million city dwellers spanning an expansive five boroughs, the rush of city life can seem intimidating at times. With an immense amount of commotion, and a landscape that is as vast as it is concrete, how do we connect, explore and enjoy all that New York has to offer?

Enter LinkNYC, a first-of-its kind communications network that is bringing the fastest available municipal Wi-Fi to the millions of people residing in New York, and the countless visitors that fill the city’s streets every day. LinkNYC is replacing the aging network of public pay phones and transforming them into gigabit Wi-Fi stations, giving city dwellers and visitors alike free and fast access to information. Not only do these re-imagined pay phone booths house opportunity for exploration, LinkNYC inspires connectivity, opening the door to community interaction and engagement while breaking down the barriers of the digital divide.

I am looking forward to the first-hand experience with the ultra-fast gigabit Wi-Fi, free nationwide phone calls, phone charging, and built in tablets that now make up the future of New York City’s pay phone infrastructure. I am especially excited that these capabilities, available to all, are being made possible through a number of solutions from Qualcomm Technologies:

• LinkNYC is bringing free, gigabit Wi-Fi to all five boroughs, powered by an all-new, purpose-built fiber optic network that will deliver speeds 100 times faster than average public Wi-Fi. This wireless capability is thanks to Ruckus Wireless ZoneFlex 802.11ac wave 2 4x4 access points, powered by a Qualcomm Internet Processor and the Qualcomm VIVE 11ac Wi-Fi solution with Qualcomm MU|EFX Multi-User MIMO technology.
• In addition to free gigabit Wi-Fi, each Link will be equipped with an emergency 911 call button for direct access to a 911 emergency operator and emergency services. Sierra Wireless’ MC9090 3G modem, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, ensures users are readily connected to a first responder who can track exact locations via cellular capabilities. These emergency services are crucial in ensuring that users not only feel connected, but safe and secure as well.
• The main brain of the Link is powered by eInfochips’ Eragon Single Board Computer solution featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, the first Snapdragon processor to feature the Qualcomm Adreno 320 graphics processing unit. The interactive displays, advertisements, and the built-in tablet are all powered by this solution allowing LinkNYC users to browse the Internet, access city services, and utilize maps and directions.

• Furthermore, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 fast charging technology will ensure that LinkNYC users never run out of battery. Each Link features Quick Charge enabled USB charging ports, allowing any mobile device to recharge, with Quick Charge 2.0 enabled devices charging up to 75% faster.

We are proud of the part we play in powering the LinkNYC structures, and our technologies and connectivity solutions are helping to ensure that residents and visitors in New York have the opportunity to connect and engage on a broader scale. And notably, these structures are completely free of charge for the city and its residents, as this initiative is being supported by ad revenues.

Find out more information at the LinkNYC site.

Qualcomm Snapdragon, Qualcomm Adreno and Qualcomm Quick Charge are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm VIVE and Qualcomm MU|EFX are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.