PRESS INQUIRIES
New York City Council
Committee on Technology
LinkNYC: Deployment of 5G Infrastructure and Wi-Fi Connectivity across the City
Thank you, Chair Gutiérrez and members of the committee for the opportunity to testify in support of LinkNYC. The Partnership for New York City represents private sector employers of more than one million New Yorkers. We work together with government, labor and the nonprofit sector to maintain the city’s position as the preeminent global center of commerce, innovation and economic opportunity.
LinkNYC is the largest and fastest free municipal WiFi network in the United States. The kiosks supply vital services for our city’s residents, businesses, and tourists including free WiFi, internet, phone calls and access to emergency services. The screens provide important information local events, artists, and small businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of access to high-speed internet for all New Yorkers. The Link program is critical to achieving universal internet access in the city and accelerating the roll out of 5G technology. The city has lagged behind many other cities in the development of the infrastructure to increase 5G service. The expansion of 5G’s faster cellular service and data speeds is necessary to maintain New York City’s global competitiveness, attract businesses to the city, and enable our small businesses to participate in the digital economy. The innovative design for the new Link5G will enable the rapid implementation of 5G technology across the city by allowing maximum access for many cellular carriers while also maintaining a clean and consistent design.
We fully support the continued expansion of LinkNYC.
Thank you.