Report: Wi-Fi kiosks on 3rd Avenue ready for Internet action and smartphone charging

Several of the payphone-replacing Wi-Fi kiosks offering free gigabit Internet along Third Avenue are now fully operational, The Verge reports.

The network is still officially in beta, and the group anticipates some changes as the network expands, but the current version is significantly faster than many commercially available connections. A Verge test found both upload and download speeds faster than 300 Mbps.

And!

Connecting to the network takes users to a login screen, where they are asked to provide their email. LinkNYC officials say emails are collected for informational purposes only and will not be sold or shared, in accordance with the system's privacy policy.

The location on Third Avenue and East 15th Street was the city's first. There's another Wi-Fi hub on Third Avenue and East 14th Street.

About community Wi-Fi in the East Village

Via the EVG inbox...

Community Wi-Fi is now available in the East Village. NYC Mesh allows you to split your Internet bill with your neighbor. It gives you backup service when there is no internet, and it connects you with the NYC Mesh network of local websites.

NYC Mesh is owned by the community. There is no monthly fee. You can join by buying an indoor router for $33, or $95 for the powerful directional outdoor router. We have members in the East Village that can help you set it up. If you are not happy, return the router and get your money back.

We currently have public access points at d.b.a. bar, East Third Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, Marble Cemetery, Clinton Street and Union Square North Plaza.

To learn more about NYC Mesh read our FAQ. To join NYC Mesh fill in the "join" form.

If you want to learn more about this, then there's a meeting tonight at d.b.a., 41 First Ave. between East Second Street and East Third Street.

Reader mailbag: Where are the best coffee shops with WiFi in the East Village?

From an EVG reader:

Can you ask readers to weigh in on the best coffee shops in the neighborhood with WiFi? Please help!

OK!

So I can't help … I only know about the places with good Fax machines.

Anyone? Coffee and WiFi?

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We often get reader queries ... asking for help with, say, donating clothes or books ... or finding an East Village-based caterer... If you have a question for the masses, then try the EV Grieve email...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader mailbag: Places to eat that have that old East Village vibe (45 comments)

Reader mailbag: What do I do about my new neighbors who smoke pot all the time? (52 comments)

Reader mailbag: Where is a good place to get a cup of coffee in the East Village before 6 a.m.? (25 comments)

Reader mailbag: What has happened to the Cooper Station Post Office? (41 comments)

Reader mailbag: Can the landlord 'drill' the lock to gain access to my apartment for simple repairs? (15 comments)

Reader mailbag: Should we receive a rent abatement for having sporadic heat and hot water?

Reader mailbag: How often does your mail get delivered?

Free Wifi arrives just in time for Occupy Tompkins Square Park

[Bobby Williams]

In early September, we noted that workers were in Tompkins Square Park doing whatever it is you do to install WiFi equipment... And according to Patrick Hedlund at DNAinfo, the free wireless service went live yesterday.

What you need to know, per DNA:

Users can connect to the "attwifi" network by selecting the network and then clicking a box agreeing to the company’s terms and conditions. No usernames or passwords are needed, and there are no limits on use.

Anyway, just in time for Occupy Tompkins Square Park Saturday...

Tompkins Square Park WiFi ready

Back in June, Mayor Bloomy announced that free WiFi was coming to various city parks, as DNAinfo reported.

And yesterday, Bobby Williams noted that workers were in Tompkins Square Park doing whatever it is you do to install the WiFi equipment...

So the equipment is there, though we don't know if the service is available just yet. Anyone give it a try?