Plans for two new communications hubs with free calls, wi-fi, and device charging in Walsall town centre
Walsall town centre could see the installation of two touch-screen communication hubs offering free landline calls, free WiFi, a defibrillator, mobile phone charging and more.
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Planning permission has been submitted by Infocus Public Networks Ltd for the two new hubs manufactured by JCDecaux.
The proposed locations of the two hubs are outside Primark on Digbeth at the intersection with Lower Hall Lane and High Street, and outside Superdrug on Park Street near the junction with Station Street.
The hubs are powered by solar energy, cleaned with collected rainwater and are capable of monitoring air quality as well as collecting other data.
The hubs can offer live updates on transport, news, weather forecasts and recommendations on places to visit in the town centre.
The units measuring 2.6metres in height have undergone ‘rigorous testing’ and have 13.5mm thick anti-vandal safety glass, plus a surface treatment to enable easy removal of stickers or spray paint.
JCDecaux said: “The rise in mobile phone use has corresponded with the decline in the use of the traditional public payphone. The role of the public phone box also needs to adapt to modern life and the needs of the public to stay connected when out of home.
“The JCDecaux Hub unit redefines the role and function of the traditional payphone to a multipurpose communication hub that provides the means for people to engage with each other and public bodies.”
