LinkNWK launches in Brick City

Newark has bolstered its tech credentials further with the official launch of LinkNWK, a series of kiosks serving users with secure Wi-Fi and other features.Collaborators on the endeavor — the City of Newark, Newark Community Economic Development Corp., New Jersey Institute of Technology and Intersection, the company behind the “smart cities” technology — were all on hand Tuesday for the activation of the first kiosks.

Intersection will install 45 kiosks throughout the city, including in each of the city’s five wards.

The kiosks’ construction, installation, maintenance and upgrades are supported through display advertising making them free for users and with no expense to taxpayers. Profits generated through advertising are also expected to fund additional infrastructure programs for NCEDC.

“We’re excited to continue to build upon Newark’s reputation as a tech hub. With major anchors and corporations like NJIT, Audible, Panasonic and Newark Venture Partners, as well as robust data infrastructure, we continue to bring Newark and its residents to the forefront of innovation,” Aisha Glover, president and CEO of NCEDC, said at the event. “We are equally excited that LinkNWK is another feather in our tech cap.”

NJIT will work with Intersection to explore new uses for LinkNWK’s kiosks, including integrating them with apps.

In addition to Wi-Fi, Link kiosks offer mobile device charging; the ability to make phone calls within the U.S.; community content produced with local partners; and access to municipal services, maps and directions.

Newark joins New York City, London, and other cities in the U.K. in its use of Link. Newark is the first city to launch with the Link Wi-Fi App, which provides users with a secure, encrypted connection to the LinkNWK network.