Government

Wi-Fi digital kiosk plan draws objections in Houston

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May 5, 2021

A proposal to install up to 125 digital kiosks throughout Houston has encountered resistance from Scenic Houston, a beautification group, according to a communityimpact.com report.

The proposed contract between Houston and IKE Smart City would allow the company to sell advertising on the 8-foot-tall digital kiosks and pay the city a portion of the sales. The city would also get one space for every eight advertisements for public service announcements.

Anna Baerman, IKE Smart City development director, said the kiosks will be confined to commercial areas and will not obstruct pedestrians.

The kiosks provide Wi-Fi access within a 30-meter radius, according to the Houston City Council Economic Development Committee, as well as games and information on local attractions.

The Scenic Houston Advocacy Commission said the agreement violates a ban on new billboards.

The contract proposes 75 to 125 kiosks with $11 million to $16 million guaranteed to the city for over 12 years.