A cynical person might say that this is why we can't have nice things.
According to an article by Patrick McGeehan LinkNYC network will shut off the Internet browsers on the Wi-Fi kiosks located around the city.
The Wi-Fi kiosks were designed to replace phone booths and allow users to consult maps, maybe check the weather or charge their phones. But they have also attracted people who linger for hours, sometimes drinking and doing drugs and, sometimes, boldly watching pornography on the sidewalks.
It was only February that the LinkNYC kiosks were announced to great fanfare, "designed to replace more than 7,500 public pay phones and bring free Wi-Fi and phone service to every neighborhood." In reality, the kiosks created more problems than benefits. Turning off the browsing function on the 400 kisoks already installed in Manhattan is considered a temporary solution. In the meantime, users can still access fast Wi-Fi, Google Maps, free phone calls, and charging of electronic devices.
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
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HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research