The city of Dallas is considering a plan to install digital kiosks throughout downtown in order to offer visitors free public wifi, broadcast emergency alerts in real-time, and direct them to the city’s attractions and restaurants. While proponents of the kiosks argue that they can be useful tools for tourists, business groups such as Downtown Dallas, Inc. are against the idea.
Jennifer Scripps, CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., expressed concerns about the lack of space on sidewalks for additional fixed objects like the kiosks. She also believes that the signs will become obsolete over time and attract graffiti, offering little use to individuals who already have cell phones. Despite this opposition, City Council member Adam Bazaldua supports the idea of installing digital and interactive kiosks in downtown Dallas as a way to generate alternative revenue without increasing taxes on taxpayers.
The exact revenue potential of these kiosks remains uncertain, but some critics worry that they may be similar to old circular advertising kiosks that have been in place for nearly two decades. However, Bazaldua believes that these new structures would be a significant improvement over the existing ones, which he considers obnoxious and outdated. Ultimately, it is up to the city council to decide whether or not digital kiosks will be installed in downtown Dallas and what their impact will be on both visitors and businesses alike.