WI-FI hubs offering a place for people to charge their phones and access maps of the area have been installed in Basingstoke town centre, with mixed reactions. 

The BT 'Street Hubs', which are described as a modern alternative to the phone box, free phone calls to any UK mobile or landline, fast device charging via two built-in USB ports and a touchscreen tablet for access to town services, maps, and directions, as well as one gigabyte of free, ultra-fast Wi-Fi. 

Two hubs have been installed in London Street, but they are yet to be fully functional, with BT saying extra "essential work" is required.

A BT spokesperson said: "The Street Hubs have only recently been installed and we are awaiting extra essential work in order to enable the full functionality of the units.

"Once engineers are able to make the final amendments the hubs will be able to provide all benefits including rapid device charging and ultra-fast WiFi."

Following their installation, the Gazette asked shoppers and residents what they thought of the Street Hubs. 

Jane Cain said: “I wondered what it was, I walk by here every day.

“I have a mobile, however, I have it more for security, but it's a good idea, it's worth having because I think that sort [older phone boxes] gets vandalised and broken so often, I wouldn't use an old box. I might use the new smart box.”

Louisa Gould said that the hubs were "not a waste of space", adding: "It's useful, especially on a Friday night when your phone is dead, it will serve a purpose for people who have phones as well as those without."

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Alan Finch said: “It's a good idea, the old telephone boxes are vandalised and don't always work. For youngsters out on the street at night, who might lose their phone, it's good. I am concerned that kids will come along and just press the red button (the emergency button). 

“Overall, I think it will be a good idea for people.”

Basingstoke Gazette: Alan Finch

Becky Lloyd and Emma Mundy weren’t sure what the Street Hub was at first, but they thought it was a good idea.

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Emma added: “My daughter is only 13, but if her phone dies, I think it's a good idea that she can still get in contact with me.

“Generally, in favour, but I hope people don't break it. It’s not sheltered and covered, so not great from a privacy point of view, more of an 'I need to get help' kind of thing.”

Basingstoke Gazette: Becky Lloyd and Emma Mundy

Linda Seymour said: “If they're getting rid of phone boxes it’s good to have something. Even though this part of town is empty, I wonder if it will be damaged. If those (telephone boxes) get damaged, I think these will get damaged and abused as well.

“It's good for older people, it's a good security feature, knowing that there's something, but they will have to do some advertising to show what it is. A good community resource.”

BT aims to install another Street Hub in Basingstoke but the location is yet to be confirmed.