In New York City, more than 7,000 payphones have either been offline or barely used by callers who prefer the modern convenience of smartphones and mobile apps such as Skype and WhatsApp, which take advantage of the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for their more advanced features.

The Renovation of Phone Booth Technology

Thanks to Wi-Fi and VoIP technologies, phone booths across the five boroughs of New York City are getting a second chance. A project called LinkNYC will transform payphones into Links that pedestrians can use in exchange for advertising.

How VoIP Technology Will Affect Local High Desert Businesses

The VoIP feature of the NYC links is the most interesting because it actually preserves the historic function of the phone booths. Each Link station is equipped with a rugged touchscreen that provides access to a VoIP mobile app. Voice calls in the United States are free, and users have a choice of a hands-free calling by means of a built-in speaker, but they can also connect their smartphones for privacy. Physical and virtual calling cards can also be used for international calls.

Sonic Systems believes that free VoIP service along with a secure Wi-Fi hotspot could be a smart feature for businesses such as bars, restaurants and shopping centers. This could be offered as an attractive perk for customers, and it can be combined with an advertising or monetization strategy.