Newark Installs Free Wi-Fi Kiosks Throughout City
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – People in Newark can now access super-fast and secure free Wi-Fi after the city on Tuesday unveiled 45 LinkNWK kiosks.
In addition to Wi-Fi, the kiosks have charging stations and the ability to make phone calls, access municipal services, maps and directions.
New York City has similar stations, which last week CBS2 reported have turned into hangouts for the homeless. Some in Newark were left wondering what will be done to prevent the same thing from happening in their city.
"I do think it gets a little uncomfortable for other people who do want to use it," said Newark resident Michael Odulana.
CBS2 took those concerns directly to Mayor Ras Baraka.
"I'm not afraid of homeless people staying by the kiosks," Baraka said. "I'm afraid of them if they stay there for a long time and we don't do anything about it."
The mayor suggested perhaps adding a homeless service feature to help those who need it, but he didn't elaborate further.
Mayor Bill de Blasio called the situation in New York "unacceptable."