In recent years, digital kiosks have been installed in various cities across the country, including Denver, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston. The city of Dallas is now considering placing them throughout downtown as a way to offer free public wifi, broadcast emergency alerts in real-time and help direct visitors to the city’s attractions and restaurants.
Proponents of the kiosks argue that they are a valuable tool for both residents and tourists. They can provide free public wifi, which is essential for people who need to stay connected while on the go. Additionally, the kiosks can broadcast emergency alerts in real-time, which can be critical during natural disasters or other emergencies. Finally, they can help direct visitors to some of the city’s most popular attractions and restaurants.
However, not everyone is in favor of installing these kiosks throughout downtown Dallas. Business groups like Downtown Dallas Inc., for example, have expressed concerns about the lack of space on sidewalks for additional fixed objects like these kiosks. CEO Jennifer Scripps has also argued that the signs will become obsolete over time and attract graffiti. She believes that they offer little use to individuals who already have cell phones.
Despite these concerns, some members of the city council are still supportive of the idea. City council member Adam Bazaldua believes that alternative revenue sources are needed to meet taxpayers’ demands without increasing taxes. While there is no clear revenue potential yet for these kiosks, Bazaldua believes that they could be a significant improvement over existing advertising structures in Dallas.
Overall, it remains to be seen whether digital kiosks will be a valuable addition to downtown Dallas’ infrastructure or not. However, with their many potential benefits and minimal drawbacks, it seems likely that they will eventually find their place in this bustling city.
In conclusion, digital kiosks have been installed in many cities across America as a way to offer free public wifi and help direct visitors to popular attractions and restaurants. While business groups like Downtown Dallas Inc., CEO Jennifer Scripps has expressed concerns about their lack of space on sidewalks and their potential obsolescence over time. On the other hand, some members of the city council support them as an alternative revenue source without raising taxes further.
Ultimately, only time will tell if digital kiosks will become an integral part of downtown Dallas’ infrastructure or just another advertising tool marketed as a revenue generator for cities with profits shared between private companies managing them
