When it comes to cities trying to help their citizens get on the web, there are very few that can rival the city of New York. For the first time in the city’s history people who get on the subway in certain areas will actually be able to get cell phone coverage. 

That is something that has not happened since the subways were first built over 100 years ago. Now the city is announcing the launch of free WiFi at five more public parks.

The rollout of the five new parks, Astoria Park, Herbert Von King, McCarren Park Field House, Tompkins Square, and Clove Lakes are the next step in the city’s attempt to have WiFi access in 26 parks throughout all five boroughs. 

Of the latest rollouts, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island were all represented, showing that the city is doing this the right way in not being too WiFi heavy in one area, while neglecting another.

AT&T is the company to thank for the free WiFi and is undertaking a five year plan to reach as much of New York as possible. Battery Park, Rumsey Playfield, areas of Thomas Jefferson Park and Joyce Kilmer Park all got their free WiFi this summer. 

Unfortunately, AT&T has not made it public what kind of schedule they are working on. Dates for future parks have not yet been released but with there being some real time before AT&T hits its five-year deadline. Still the company has said that New Yorkers will be able to see even more parks getting WiFi access over the next several months.

With the additional efforts to add WiFi to every day places and services such as the subway and public parks, the city is taking steps other major metropolitan areas should follow. One of the services cities like Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles need to begin to offer is a way for their citizens to stay connected even when they are not sitting in a coffee shop or their living rooms. 

Making cities WiFi accessible, even in public areas, can also boost tourism, as people know there’s a better chance to get their info wherever they are.