ABERDEEN is now the second city in Scotland to benefit from BT’s InLink service, which offers free ultrafast wi-fi and phone calls to the public.
The InLink service from BT, which will provide an expected investment of £1.7 million in the city over the next 10 years, will join the likes of Glasgow, London and Cardiff in offering access to these innovative free services. More than 400 InLink units are now live across the UK.
With two ultra-modern InLink units initially introduced into Aberdeen city centre, at Upperkirkgate and Palmerston Road, a further eight activations are expected in the coming weeks, including Union Street and George Street.
The new state-of-the-art InLinks are replacing 23 existing payphones, offering more space on pavements, as on average, one unit replaces two BT payphones. BT’s iconic red phone boxes will remain.
Jenny Laing, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “Aberdeen continues to build its reputation as a destination for business and tourism. It’s great to see another development for local people, visitors and businesses which supports our digital ambitions. Supporting our city centre with fast wi-fi and other services will help increase footfall, and aid retail and economic growth as a result.”
As well as free calls and wi-fi, the InLink service offers free mobile charging points plus a range of digital services, including local council and community information.
Also welcoming the investment, Innes Walker, city centre manager for Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The addition of InLink devices to the city centre will help visitors recognise Aberdeen as a modern, forward-looking, technologically advanced city, supporting the tourist and retail economy and helping to attract investment.
“It is a great enhancement and one that Aberdeen inspired, along with Aberdeen City Council, have worked closely with BT on. By providing facilities for people to make free calls, access free wi-fi and charge their phones, the InLink service will add much to our city.”
David Wallace, BT director for public sector in Scotland and chair of the BT Scotland board, said: “At BT, inclusive services are really important to us and we want everyone to be able to make the most of digital opportunities.
Matt Bird, General Manager of InLinkUK, said: “We are keen to continue our very successful roll out of the InLink from BT service to benefit consumers in Aberdeen.
“We want to support consumers’ digital innovation ambitions by offering city workers, shoppers and tourists free digital services and help to create a smart city in Aberdeen.”
The InLink service from BT, which is funded by advertising revenue to deliver free services at no cost to the taxpayer and local councils, already has more than 319,000 subscribers, and is capable of delivering speeds of one gigabit per second.
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