NYC's Digital Divide Narrowing With Free WiFi Kiosk Plan

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The digital divide in New York City is narrowing.

A new deal would provide more WiFi kiosks with high-speed service to the neighborhoods that need them most, as part of a program called LinkNYC.

Listen to NYC's Digital Divide Narrowing With Free WiFi Kiosk Plan

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last month that a consortium called CityBridge has been chosen to install the WiFi system.

Up to 10,000 column-like devices will be placed in all five boroughs if the plan is approved by the city's Franchise and Concession Review Committee.

Stringer and the borough presidents all sit on the franchise committee. They said Wednesday they want to make sure the contratct provides for equal Wi-Fi speed throughout all five boroughs.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. says this will help job seekers.

"We know that more and more employers are only accepting applications through computers or through the internet," he told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.

The initial plan had poorer areas getting fewer kiosks with slower speeds.

"This sends the wrong message on equity and quality," Diaz said.

Diaz calls this a step in the right direction.

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