Austin Just Approved Digital Kiosks with Free Listings For All Local Businesses

Austin City Council just approved a citywide network of interactive digital kiosks, and every local business gets a free listing.

A new network of 100+ interactive digital kiosks is coming to downtown Austin and other high-pedestrian areas after City Council approved the program at its March 26 meeting. The kiosks will offer way-finding, real-time transit info, event listings, free Wi-Fi, and a directory of every local business in town.

Here's what Austin builders should know:

• Every Austin business gets a spot in the directory. Listings are sorted by proximity to the kiosk.
• If you want to advertise on the kiosk screens, the program is offering discounted rates for small businesses.
• Ad revenue gets shared with Austin and reinvested in city services.

You'll interact with it by tapping a kiosk, and sending directions or a business listing straight to your phone.

Initial deployment focuses on downtown, but the City says it'll engage with community stakeholders and downtown partners in the coming months before installation begins.

Free downtown distribution is rare. When listings open, claim yours. If your business is in a high-foot-traffic zone, the discounted ad option is worth consideration.