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From phone booths to Wi-Fi kiosks: the spatial inequality of public connectivity in New York City

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  • Wang, Ryan Yang

Abstract

This paper offered the first-ever examination of the spatial patterns of public Wi-Fi hotspots deployment in New York City. It utilized the Spatially Aware Technology Utilization Model to investigate what determinants might impact the spatial distribution of public Wi-Fi hotspots deployment with a Bayesian spatial modeling approach. The hot spot analysis revealed that the public Wi-Fi hotspots deployment is not spatially equal across the five boroughs of New York City. While acknowledging the efforts of the public Wi-Fi deployment to address digital inequalities, particularly in Hispanic communities and areas with high income inequality, the findings indicated that it fell short in rectifying ICT access disparities between digitally marginalized areas and the rest of the city. Importantly, the study introduced a spatial perspective when studying ICT practices, emphasizing that accurately estimating the identified relationships necessitates the incorporation of spatial structure in the theorization and modeling process.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Ryan Yang, 2025. "From phone booths to Wi-Fi kiosks: the spatial inequality of public connectivity in New York City," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:219:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525002768
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124245
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