NEWQUAY could be going hi-tech following plans submitted to erect a network of smart kiosks around the town, which would provide a range of free telecommunication and digital services.

Technology firm Urban Innovation Company, proposes to install 12 two sided Pulse Smart Hubs at Berry Road, Bank Street, Chester Road, Central Square, Cliff Road, Fore Street, Henver Road, Headland Road, Narrowcliff, Pentire Road, Treloggan Road and Wiliam Hosking Road.

The modern, touch-screen hubs provide free phone calls, Wi-Fi provision and mobile device charging, including wireless charging as well as well as access to life-saving defibrillators.

They also feature a 999 button that connects directly to the police, fire, and medical services in case of an emergency and a free-to-use touchscreen interface to access local maps, services, facilities, and visitor information.

The devices additionally offer public messaging to promote the town, local services, and events as well as sensors that capture data on air quality, traffic flow, and footfall that can be used to improve the environment and peoples’ well-being.

The hubs have additional space for other telecom technological advances.

The proposed installation of the hubs has been developed in collaboration with Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID, Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council’s community safety partnership.

Urban Innovation Company, which has already installed hubs in Belfast, pays for the installation, operation and their ongoing maintenance through paid-for advertising on the main screens so there would be no cost to the taxpayer.

A spokesperson for the Urban Innovation Company said: “Our vision is to provide everyone, free of charge, the ability to connect to information, communicate, feel safe and have access to emergency life-saving equipment.

“We want to continue being the leaders of this space, driving real public and community benefits, saving lives, and connecting people in the areas we operate.

“We commit to giving a minimum of five per cent of screen time on the main advertising screens to the council, local stakeholders and organisations to promote the area, local services, events and support networks.

“This equates to 650 free messaging slots per hub, per day

“The Pulse Smart Hub is a modern-day piece of street furniture that supports the health and vitality of the communities we serve.

“The Pulse Smart Hub is free all-year round to the user, local stakeholders, and taxpayer. Our Hubs provide improved connectivity, access to hyper local information and services, real-time data, and direct access to emergency lifesaving equipment.

“The Pulse Smart Hub actively removes barriers to entry and champions social inclusion for all.

“We develop collaborative relationships with key local stakeholders to ensure that impactful solutions are delivered.

“Each area comes with its own local needs and through dialogue with stakeholders we can tailor the hubs to create tangible and meaningful impact.

“We are committed to a safe, quick, and tidy installation.

“We pride ourselves on ensuring each hub is carefully installed by our specialist contractors.

“Most installations take a maximum of one week to complete.

“We have long-established partnerships with national advertising companies.

“The revenue generated from the advertising allows us to deliver all of Pulse’s features and benefits free of charge to everyone.

“There is no cost to the user, public organisations or the taxpayer.

“The revenue also ensures that the hubs will be appropriately managed and maintained in perpetuity. We do not rely on the performance of the advertising itself to maintain the hubs.”