Australian telcos take note – AT&T’s Street Charge is providing free solar mobile charging stations in locations throughout New York City.
Inspired by the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy when New Yorkers without power flocked to solar powered charging stations, AT&T will deploy approximately 25 Street Charge solar mobile charging units across the five boroughs of the city. Two units are already operational at Fort Greene Park, four more will be in place by the end of this week and the remainder will be rolled out over the next couple of months.
The units are powered by three 15 watt monocrystaline solar panels and energy is stored in 16 amp-hour internal lithium batteries, so handheld device users can get a recharge fix at any time of the day.
Built in cords accommodate up to six devices at a time and include dedicated ports for iPhones, Androids, Blackberries and standard USB charging cables. Costing approximately USD $8,000 each and weighing around 90 kilograms, the Street Charge unit is tamperproof and weather proof.
AT&T teamed up with solar company Goal Zero and Brooklyn-based design firm Pensa to develop the initiative. Goal Zero, which provides the units, says Street Charge has the potential for lighting, Wi-Fi, signage for ads, and way finding.
Street Charge complements Wi-Fi in the Parks, an ongoing joint initiative between AT&T, the City of New York and the New York Parks Department offering free Wi-Fi access to New Yorkers.
The City of New York has taken a special interest in renewables since Sandy, when solar power proved invaluable in helping to restore communications.
“After Hurricane Sandy, I asked our private sector partners to step up and help improve the resiliency of New York City. AT&T is doing just that, and we’re grateful for their efforts,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
