Futuristic, 3-meter-tall Wi-Fi portals are replacing thousands of old payphones in New York city. By summer’s end, more than 500 will dot the city streets; in 12 years, as many as 10,000.

The selling points are simple: They are free to use, providing high-speed internet to city’s residents and visitors,roughly 100 times faster than the average public Wi-Fi.

“It means you can upload pictures in a fraction of a second, you can download a movie before you hop on the train in less than 30 seconds. ”

Each hot spot has a minimum radius of 45 meters before automatically connects you to the next.Every unit is equipped with a charging device and Android tablet for Internet browsing, phone calls and easy access to information on city services, as well as a 911 emergency call button.

“The idea is to reach every New Yorker who might not otherwise have access to a broadband connection, either in their homes or at work.” Hensley describes the links as a “revolutionary” model for other cities worldwide.

“It’s a global economy.People are traveling more and more, and the services that they know they can rely on in New York. We expect them to want when they go to places like London and Paris and Hong Kong.”

The unit’s infrastructure is built using a cast aluminum exterior, designed by CIVIQ Smartscapes to withstand vandalism and severe weather.

Its look blend in with its surroundings.“It stands out on its own, but it doesn’t really jump out at you and stand out too much from the rest of the streetscape.”

At New York’s Union Square, many agree.

“It feels at home,and the landscape of the city, it doesn’t feel like would be out of place in a bunch of different contexts, which I think is a testament to good design.”

“That’s why people are so comfortable because it looks just like something that would be supported in New York City.”

LinkNYC expects CityBridge, the consortium awarded the 12-year franchise, to generate more than $500 million for the city of New York, primarily through digital screen advertisements, its primary source of revenue.

Ramon Taylor, VOA NEWS, New York.