Google Could Give NYC the Gift of Free WiFi Through Old Payphones

Google is hoping to commandeer a technology relic: New York City's payphone booths. The search engine giant is one of several companies hoping to turn the out-of-service infrastructure into free WiFi hubs for the city. Though Google has yet to comment, company representatives were present at a May proposal meeting. Other attendees included Cisco, IBM and Samsung. The project would see the spaces have payphones replaced with advertising, WiFi and other phone services, likely cellphone-related. It's an ambitious plan with more than 7,300 payphones scattered throughout the city. Bid proposals are due July 21. TheStreet's Keris Lahiff reports from New York.