Nokia brings Wi-Fi to Central Park

Wi-Fi networks are currently being installed in 10 major parks in New York

Nokia has been chosen to provide mobile services for free Wi-Fi networks in New York City parks. 

Wi-Fi networks are currently being installed in 10 major parks in New York, including Washington Square, Union Square, Corona Flushing Meadows, Battery Park and eight locations in Central Park.

The network infrastructure is owned and managed by WiFi Salon, a New York-based company that has the exclusive concession rights from the New York Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Nokia will introduce mobile multimedia services in the parks with local media partners during the summer.

"The expanded Wi-Fi network will give park visitors even more options," said Parks Department commissioner Adrian Benepe.

"Park patrons can now throw a pitch, score a goal, catch a wave or surf the net at some of our city's greatest parks."

Floris van de Klashorst, director of multimedia at Nokia, said that the deal is a great opportunity for Nokia to show what its mobile multimedia devices can do.

"Wi-Fi in the parks is an excellent way to pilot new services with our partners in the media industry, while New Yorkers can enjoy some of their favourite pastimes such as reading the paper, listening to music or accessing the internet," he said.

Users will need a Nokia phone with built in wireless Lan capabilities, such as the Nokia N80 and N91 or the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet.