VOA慢速英语2016--纽约打造全球最快免费无线网
时间:2019-01-12 作者:英语课 分类:2016年VOA慢速英语(七)月
Free Wi-Fi Is Coming to New York City 纽约打造全球最快免费无线网
The spread of mobile phones across America has led to a disappearance 1 of public pay telephones. In fact, in New York City right now, workers are removing pay phones from the city’s streets.
But, pay phones are being replaced by something most people will find more useful: free Wi-Fi kiosks. The LinkNYC program is expected to install 7500 kiosks, or Links, throughout the city over the next few years. The system is in beta testing right now.
CityBridge is providing the kiosks. It is an alliance of three companies Qualcomm, Intersection 2 and CIVIQ Smartscapes. Intersection is owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google.
New York City will install and maintain them. It will pay for the program, and expects to profit from the Links, through advertising 3.
Each Link has two high-definition screens to display advertisements and public service announcements. The kiosks also provide high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, tablets with Internet access, phone calling within the U.S., emergency phone calls, and USB charging ports. LinkNYC says Wi-Fi will cover an area of 45 meters around the kiosk.
Wi-Fi speeds are 100 times faster than home networks, according to LinkNYC. Users have been impressed with the speed:
In addition to speed, LinkNYC Wi-Fi offers security. Each kiosk offers two types of Wi-Fi networks, secured and unsecured. By registering with an email account, a user can get a key to connect to an encrypted Wi-Fi network.
According the LinkNYC, "Your email address will never be sold, or shared with third parties for their own use." The company's privacy policy contains more information about data privacy.
Each kiosk has a tablet that runs a secure version of Android to access the Internet, get maps, directions, and information about city services. A phone keypad lets users call U.S. phone numbers for free. Users can press and hold a red button on the kiosk to call emergency services.
Kiosks can also serve as charging stations, with two USB ports that transfer electricity but not data. People are able to connect headphones at the kiosks for privacy and to block city noise.
The kiosks have cameras. The cameras will help record traffic flow, pollution levels, crime and suspicious packages.
Using a LinkNYC Kiosk
If you visit New York City, you may see a LinkNYC kiosk or a pay phone being removed.
A video on YouTube shows how to connect to a LinkNYC kiosk.
If you would like to see LinkNYC come to your town, send an email invitation. The address is hello@link.nyc
The Issues with LinkNYC
The Links program is not without critics. Some neighbors of the kiosks have reported increased noise, with users streaming music, videos and television shows.
Some people are also reporting concern about privacy issues. They worry about the use of cameras on the Links. Still others have questioned the privacy of the personal data that will be collected by the kiosks.
Words in This Story
kiosk - n. a small structure that provides information and services on a computer screen
beta test - n. a trial of machinery 4, software, or other products, in the final stages of its development
advertise - v. to make the public aware of something (such as a product) that is being sold
high-definition - adj. having a very clear picture and a wide screen
charging port - n. an opening that connects a phone to a power source to recharge the battery
encrypt - v. to change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning
- He was hard put to it to explain her disappearance.他难以说明她为什么不见了。
- Her disappearance gave rise to the wildest rumours.她失踪一事引起了各种流言蜚语。
- There is a stop sign at an intersection.在交叉路口处有停车标志。
- Bridges are used to avoid the intersection of a railway and a highway.桥用来避免铁路和公路直接交叉。
- Can you give me any advice on getting into advertising? 你能指点我如何涉足广告业吗?
- The advertising campaign is aimed primarily at young people. 这个广告宣传运动主要是针对年轻人的。