Digital kiosks have been installed in various cities across the country, such as Denver, Atlanta, Miami, and Houston. The city of Dallas is considering a plan to place them throughout downtown. Proponents of the kiosks argue that they can offer free public wifi, broadcast emergency alerts in real-time, and help direct visitors to the city’s attractions and restaurants. However, business groups like Downtown Dallas, Inc. are against the idea.
Downtown Dallas, Inc.’s CEO Jennifer Scripps 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, attract graffiti and offer little use to individuals who already have cell phones. The kiosks are primarily seen as advertising tools but are marketed as revenue generators for cities with profits shared between the city and private companies managing them.
City council member Adam Bazaldua supports the idea of digital kiosks in downtown Dallas. He emphasizes the need for alternative revenue sources to meet taxpayers’ demands without increasing taxes. While critics worry about similarities with old circular advertising kiosks in Dallas that have been in place for nearly two decades, Bazaldua believes that proposed digital and interactive kiosks would be a significant improvement over existing structures that he considers obnoxious and outdated.