How BT will transform old phone boxes into modern hubs
BT has recently announced a 10-year partnership with the media firm Global. The goal of this collaboration is to transform up to 2,000 old phone boxes across the country into modern street hubs. This major update is set to begin in 2025 and is expected to impact more than 200 towns and cities.
What Will the New Hubs Offer?
The revamped phone boxes will become street hubs. One of the most exciting upgrades is the addition of free WiFi, which will be available to anyone nearby. This means that people walking through the area can access the internet without needing a mobile data plan.
The boxes will feature wireless WiFi call buttons like those at dinggly.com/products/wireless-call-buttons, small, electronic devices that allow people to make calls or trigger actions without needing physical connections or wires. Alongside WiFi, phone charging stations will also be included, providing a convenient place for people to charge their devices if needed when they’re out in public.
The First Generation
The first generation of the Street Hubs was launched in 2017 as part of BT’s effort to update the UK’s ageing telephone booths. These kiosks were designed to replace the older pay phones that had become largely outdated in the age of mobile phones. The hubs provided WiFi and displayed real-time information such as local news, weather updates and transport details, helping to keep people informed.
Emergency Access
The new hubs will keep one traditional function: connecting people to emergency services. The updated phone boxes will have a button that connects directly to emergency services, such as the police, fire department, or ambulance service.
Advertising to Fund the Service
These Street Hubs will also feature digital advertising screens which will display advertisements that will help generate revenue for the new project.
In the early stages of the BT phone box project, local authorities were granted 5% of the screen time on the new Street Hubs. This allows local services such as food banks and health and social care programs to be promoted on the digital advertising screens.
