Digital hubs installed in Newcastle to offer ultra-fast wifi

BT has launched the first of its digital street units in the UK city of Newcastle.

The first seven of BT’s Street Hub 2.0 units have been installed in the city bringing free ultra-fast wifi, free calls, wayfinding information and rapid device charging. 

They also provide directions for tourists, have the capacity to be fitted with signal boosting 4G and 5G cells and enable people to make free emergency calls.

Improved mobile and wifi connections

The first Street Hubs were switched on at sites including streets in Byker, Benton, Heaton and Haymarket. They form part of BT’s rollout of improved mobile and wifi connections for communities across the UK.

As part of the initiative, BT will also be gifting free advertising to small businesses as they face increased costs during the current economic situation.

“Bringing the Hubs to Newcastle not only allows us to provide the same benefits as traditional payphones, but also offer enhanced and future-proofed technology for the future.

The company is donating up to £7.5m of outdoor advertising space to small businesses across the UK as part of the rollout of the new digital units.

“Street Hubs provide communities with the improved wifi and mobile connectivity that is now such a central part of everyday life”

“Bringing the Hubs to Newcastle not only allows us to provide the same benefits as traditional payphones, but also offer enhanced and future-proofed technology for the future.

“Gifting free advertising to small businesses in the city also means we are able to play our part in supporting its economy.”