Clear Channel Acquires Arqiva Payphone Business
It looks like the UK high streets are all set for a #LinkNYC style digital transformation with the news just-in that Clear Channel has acquired Arqiva’s payphone business.
We understand that this deal will see Clear Channel launch a major programme of development which will see existing phone boxes removed and replaced with hundreds of state-of-the-art kiosks.
Clear Channel’s CEO Justin Cochrane told us “Clear Channel is transforming both our business and UK Out of Home. We are building a next-generation estate based on a detailed understanding of advertisers, consumers, technology and cities. This acquisition is the kind of bold, innovative move that characterises Clear Channel’s approach in 2016″.
“Not only will this deal deliver hundreds of world-class sites for advertisers it will provide fantastic services for the public while enhancing the urban environment right at the heart of London and other major cities.”
The project will start a nationwide roll-out from July 2016 and will see the majority of kiosks installed in central London. All kiosks will be situated in high footfall areas and will be positioned for optimum visibility from both pedestrian and vehicular audiences. The screens will be powered by Play iQ, Clear Channel’s intelligent content and inventory management system – offering advertisers the ability to deliver and optimise real time, contextually relevant content.
Alongside voice and data, the kiosks have the potential to offer a host of other benefits to both advertisers and the public, including Beacons, Wi-Fi, mobile data services and interactive journey planners.
The deal will see many telephone boxes on high streets across the UK replaced by state-of-the-art kiosks and all (new) kiosks will include integrated Adshel Live digital 6-sheet screens. It is hoped that with the integrated daylight-visible Adshel Live digital screen included and a distinctive modern design, the new kiosks will quickly become a familiar sight on UK high streets and alongside key routes around towns and cities.
The deal is a bold move and is part of Clear Channel’s wider digital transformation project that has seen the organisation invest heavily in a state of the art digital portfolio. This investment includes the nationwide expansion of the Adshel Live digital 6-sheet, ongoing investment in the Storm portfolio of super premium digital sites, and the extension of the Wrap network of digital billboards to 15 major UK towns and cities.
With #LinkNYC in New York, it looks like it’s now time for Clear Channel UK to revolutionise urban spaces in London and the rest of the UK.
Categories: DailyDOOH Update
