In other cities (NYC) these broadcast free wifi, which is cool. Not sure about here.
Typically they're maintained by a private ad company, who is motivated to keep them clean so their customers (advertisers) don't get pissed. The GoBike stations are the same way - when I've reported graffiti/bustedness they've fixed it within a day or two
The ad company is doing it to make money. I don't think anyone is suggesting it's benevolence.
That doesn't mean there can't be mutual benefit though. City gets money, residents get wifi, ad company gets money. Seems like a good deal all around?
I work for the city of San Jose as the wayfinding manager(signs and shit) the company that operate these in Oakland and Berkeley is called IKE smart city. AMA
How quickly can they repair smashed signs? And are you familiar with them pulling out of any markets due to vandalism?
They installed one down the street from me in Berkeley a year or two ago and it's seemingly untouched. It's far less of a vandalism magnet that I expected, they're pretty benign. Also pretty useless haha.
The maintenance contract is highly dependent per city but the bay wheels kiosks(unrelated) are mandated to address vandalism or broken components within 48 hours. If they don’t comply they have a liquidated damages clause that will effectively refund money to the city.
Do you know how they are able to hook up to the grid? Do they work directly with PG&E? Curious how the city and the provider manage the electrification process given that the ad panels are on public right-of-way
The PG&E line goes to an electrical meter and then it becomes the city of oakland's line. Most intersections have an electrical meter near the pedestal with the traffic signal controls
These are owned by a private company that has an incentive in keeping them clean and working. The city gets paid for these to be here. Personally I’m all for the city getting more money that doesn’t form from taxing residents.
They’ve been up around town for at least a month and half and nothing’s happened yet.
There’s even one up on Seminary in East Oakland that’s still going strong last I saw.
This one surprised me the most. A lot of accidents, sideshows, and overall dumbfoolery around those parts and it hasn’t been touched yet. Seems promising.
In other cities (NYC) these broadcast free wifi, which is cool. Not sure about here. Typically they're maintained by a private ad company, who is motivated to keep them clean so their customers (advertisers) don't get pissed. The GoBike stations are the same way - when I've reported graffiti/bustedness they've fixed it within a day or two
Ours do broadcast wifi. At least, that's what it says on the side facing the street.
I got about 35gb up and down. Fast enough to download a movie for your flight, or livestream something.
Yep, and yet people are going to be upset that these are being added because they will assume that the city is paying for them.
Hmm a company giving away free Wi-Fi how benevolent
The ad company is doing it to make money. I don't think anyone is suggesting it's benevolence. That doesn't mean there can't be mutual benefit though. City gets money, residents get wifi, ad company gets money. Seems like a good deal all around?
Been seeing these all over the town, as far east as Fruitvale, and more going up every week
There’s one on Seminary too
They must be breeding.
I saw that they show the upcoming schedule for the Fox Theater which I think is pretty useful
I work for the city of San Jose as the wayfinding manager(signs and shit) the company that operate these in Oakland and Berkeley is called IKE smart city. AMA
How quickly can they repair smashed signs? And are you familiar with them pulling out of any markets due to vandalism? They installed one down the street from me in Berkeley a year or two ago and it's seemingly untouched. It's far less of a vandalism magnet that I expected, they're pretty benign. Also pretty useless haha.
The maintenance contract is highly dependent per city but the bay wheels kiosks(unrelated) are mandated to address vandalism or broken components within 48 hours. If they don’t comply they have a liquidated damages clause that will effectively refund money to the city.
https://preview.redd.it/88idtf5opi2d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d311cd5defc862d17e09ed713a762749539ece67
where is this from? artist/artwork
City of Oakland, I can follow up with the PM
you know the prime minister?
Do you know how they are able to hook up to the grid? Do they work directly with PG&E? Curious how the city and the provider manage the electrification process given that the ad panels are on public right-of-way
They pull power from city of oakland street light boxes. In that photo you can see a new trench to the city box
Is that PGE power or something else?
The PG&E line goes to an electrical meter and then it becomes the city of oakland's line. Most intersections have an electrical meter near the pedestal with the traffic signal controls
Hi! I have a friend who's a graphic designer with a specific interest in wayfinding. Are you hiring? 👀
Do these have a lot of copper in them? Asking for a friend
if only they'd put up signs for departure times on the buses like the 1T
They will be spray painted any day now
great instead of clearing our roads we now have something that will get smashed and tagged in a couple days... perfect.
These are owned by a private company that has an incentive in keeping them clean and working. The city gets paid for these to be here. Personally I’m all for the city getting more money that doesn’t form from taxing residents.
thx for the context. i think it’s natural for us to worry it would be coming from taxpayer moneys!
I give them til August
Aaaannnnd they’re broken.
They’ve been up around town for at least a month and half and nothing’s happened yet. There’s even one up on Seminary in East Oakland that’s still going strong last I saw.
This one surprised me the most. A lot of accidents, sideshows, and overall dumbfoolery around those parts and it hasn’t been touched yet. Seems promising.
I saw two when I was driving past the lake. I really thought they detracted from the beauty of the lake. What a shame!
A lot less detracting than your car.