Review Fix chats with TCC Teleplex’s Camille Garreaud, who discusses the company’s bold new “Everything Kiosk,†which plans to change the way we think about technology in New York City and the world.
About the Everything Kiosk:
The multi-media “EVERYTHING KIOSK†will be integrated into the company’s new digital fiber optic network. Featuring high speed, free Wi-Fi informational services, apps, media and advertising including Public Service Announcements (PSAs) targeting TCC TELEPLEX’s 180 unique markets, the kiosks will offer a powerful array of visionary new services.
Features include a high-res 360 webcam, accessible 24/7, which allows app users to check in real time the conditions and waits for all public transportation – buses, ferries, planes, subway; a large 22-inch front facing interactive touch screen; keypad with braille for ADA compliance; and a credit card reader with contactless pay, for POS purchases from many major online retailers, including Amazon.com to Macy’s.
Other selling points: an audio headphone jack; 5 USB charging ports; a 911 button for emergencies; a 311 button for city services; a “0†button for live multi-lingual operators; a Metro card dispenser; and 55 inch digital ad display panels. For NYC, the digital “MESH†network will showcase the best of the city’s cultural, arts and events in real time 24/7 with full use 2-way interactivity.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Camille Garreaud: Mr. Novick (TCC Teleplex founder Dennis Novick) while attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York college realized that there was a technological revolution going on in telecommunications. At that time in the United States there was a sole telecom provider the united bell system called AT&T. It was the sole guarantor that millions of Americans and businesses had the need to communicate coast to coast. Mr. Novick left college in his first year to join the AT&T bell system here in NY. From Within a few short he was recognized at the age of 24 as being the number one senior account consultant in both NYC and throughout the state. The following year at the age of 25, the company promised him if he gave 30 more years of service, he was assured to be chairman of the board of directors for the entire worldwide bell system. Shortly thereafter, by an act of congress, the bell system broke up and Mr. Novick seized the opportunity to start his own company as the president and founder of TCC TELEPLEX in 1984.
Review Fix: What locations are you’re prime targets?
Garreaud: Subways, municipalities inclusive of sidewalks and rights-of-ways, our airports and terminals, short and long-haul commuter railroad systems and stations in the Tri-State area.
Review Fix: What’s the ultimate goal?
Garreaud: Our mission is to install our Internet Access Portal (IAP) kiosks throughout the United States and eventually globally. We strive to facilitate the lives of Americans and the abroad through quality telecommunications, travel, safety, and security.
Review Fix: Where are you now in accomplishing it?
Garreaud: We are speaking with different officials in the Tri-State Area, we filed our patent and are launching our website.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why should someone consider using the kiosk?
Garreaud: The kiosk has multiple uses. It will transmit more information useful to the public such as making reservations, train times, and can also be used as a pos server. It will also provide quality communication and Wi-Fi.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Garreaud: We want to bring this to every major American city, communities and abroad. We intend to have billions of subscribers.
Sounds like NYC needs something like this in case of another 09/11 God Forbid. Cell phones won’t work and these terminals will be a good way for the public to stay connected.