Telecoms firm BT has agreed to buy Manchester-based communications service provider InLink from administrators for an undisclosed sum.
InLink’s on-street touchscreen kiosks provide pedestrians with access to Wi-Fi information and USB charging.
The deal will included nearly 500 units across 23 cities which will now be owned by BT, which was previously a partner in the venture having provided connectivity and its name.
InLink went bust in November of last. Originally designed to replace the phone box, the kiosks were criticised by police following their use in antisocial calls.
Katherine Ainley, managing director of Ventures at BT, said: “By agreeing a deal with the administrators to purchase the remainder of the InLink network that we don’t already own, we can reassure councils and communities that the units will continue to function as normal over the coming weeks and months.
“We look forward to further developing our digital street strategy, and the InLink units will continue to form a critical part of this.”