BT Plans to Convert 2,000 Payphones into High-Speed Connectivity Street Hubs

BT and Global to Transform Public Payphones into High-Speed Connectivity Hubs

BT and the Media & Entertainment group Global have joined forces in a 10-year partnership to upgrade public payphones across the country into digital hubs. These hubs will provide public Wi-Fi, live communication, and EE 4G and 5G connectivity in more than 200 towns and cities.

Global will convert conventional BT payphones and kiosks into brand new Street Hubs, starting next year. They will also market and sell advertising on BT’s existing Street Hubs. BT will continue to provide mobile and WiFi connectivity to the units.

The Street Hubs will offer secure connectivity at speeds of up to 1Gbps within a 150-meter radius. Some units will include a dedicated 999 calling button, USBs for free device charging, and touch-screen tablets displaying real-time public information provided by local councils. Additionally, they will feature ad screens for local businesses to advertise.

BT’s payphones are already a significant part of Global’s outdoor advertising estate, and advertisers can purchase space within the BT portfolio.

Bas Burger, CEO – Business at BT, commented, “By combining BT connectivity with Global’s expertise in out-of-home advertising, we can almost triple the number of modern digital Street Hubs over the next decade.”

Stephen Miron, Global’s Group CEO, added, “Street Hubs have become increasingly attractive to advertisers. We have very exciting and ambitious plans to significantly expand the Street Hub network, alongside some highly innovative solutions for advertisers.”