LinkNYC: A Decade of Transforming Digital Connectivity in NYC

LinkNYC Celebrates Ten Years of Connectivity

LinkNYC has marked a significant milestone, celebrating its tenth anniversary with impressive achievements that highlight its impact on New Yorkers' daily lives. Launched as an innovative project to replace outdated payphones, LinkNYC has transformed into a vital network offering high-speed, free Wi-Fi across the city. It has become an essential resource for over 20 million residents and visitors, illustrating the growing need for reliable digital connectivity in urban settings.

In 2025 alone, LinkNYC's impact report indicated that the network facilitated over 171 million free Wi-Fi sessions and enabled more than five million free phone calls. This data underscores LinkNYC's role as not just an internet provider but as a critical element of the city's infrastructure, assisting in everyday tasks and emergencies alike. According to Nick Colvin, the CEO of LinkNYC, the continued expansion of the service reflects a commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to reliable connectivity.

Equity in digital access remains paramount for LinkNYC, as 55% of the city’s population utilized its services last month. Notably, this includes significant representation from various demographics: 65% of residents in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments benefit from kiosks located within walking distance, and 74% of community shelters have immediate access to these facilities. Since the program started, it has powered an astounding 3.5 billion high-speed Wi-Fi sessions while also facilitating more than 35 million calls—completely free to users or at no cost to taxpayers.

To further support accessibility, LinkNYC has fostered local entrepreneurship through its LinkLocal program, which has aided approximately 1,300 community-based entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. In 2025 alone, these partnerships resulted in running over 5,000 advertising campaigns at a value exceeding $2.2 million. This not only uplifts local businesses but creates a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates community engagement.

As the tenth anniversary approaches, LinkNYC plans to showcase creative displays on its kiosks throughout the city. This will celebrate how the network has connected New Yorkers while promoting cultural institutions and local artists. Such initiatives affirm LinkNYC's commitment not only to connectivity but also to fostering cultural dialogue and community relations.

Looking to the future, LinkNYC is poised to expand even further. With plans to introduce new kiosks equipped with 5G technology, the initiative aims to enhance the quality and speed of the services provided, ensuring that New Yorkers continue to receive the best possible digital experience.

LinkNYC serves as an excellent example of how urban technology can improve mobility and connectivity in a populous city like New York. As the network continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem, reinforcing the idea that connectivity is a right, one that should be available to all.

In conclusion, as LinkNYC celebrates this momentous occasion, its achievements echo throughout the boroughs, reaffirming that providing free public Wi-Fi is more than just an initiative—it's a transformative tool for enhancing communication, access, and empowerment across New York City.

For more information about LinkNYC or to find a kiosk near you, visit www.link.nyc.