As part of an ongoing effort to keep New Yorkers connected, AT&T and Bloomberg administration officials today unveiled AT&T Street Charge. This pilot initiative provides free solar mobile charging stations in locations across all five boroughs where the public can charge their phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
AT&T Street Charge is a direct outgrowth of Superstorm Sandy when AT&T powered the City's distribution centers with commercial generators and pop-up cellular service. New Yorkers who had lost power for days or longer flocked to the centers seeking a charge and a way to communicate to the outside world. AT&T teamed up with solar technology company Goal Zero and Brooklyn-based design firm Pensa to develop the initiative and bring it to local residents.
Between now and the end of summer, AT&T will deploy approximately twenty-five AT&T Street Charge solar mobile charging units across the five boroughs. Along with the two solar mobile charging units now live at Fort Greene Park, charging units are also available this week at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier I, Governor's Island, and Pier 1 at Riverside Park and Union Square Park.
"Thanks to AT&T, more New Yorkers will have improved connectivity and access to the wireless technology that has become such an important part of our daily lives," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "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."
"We are always looking for new and meaningful ways to improve the daily lives of New Yorkers through greater accessibility to mobile technology," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York State President, AT&T. "Two years ago, we debuted free Wi-Fi in 26 locations across New York City Parks and last year became one of the first major carriers to offer underground cellular service on 36 subway platforms. Solar mobile charging is a natural next step in AT&T's efforts to provide innovative services for New Yorkers that empower them to lead more sustainable lives.
"At NYC Parks, we're always looking for ways to get New Yorkers and visitors into the great outdoors to relax and re-charge, and this gives it a whole new meaning," said NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White. "New Yorkers enjoy some of the best parks in the country, and now, thanks to this collaboration with AT&T, Pensa and Goal Zero, they'll be able to power up their phones for free using solar power."
Visitors will find AT&T Street Charge this summer in all five boroughs:
Manhattan:
- Riverside Park, Pier I (launches 6/18)
- Union Square Park, North Plaza (launches 6/19)
- Rumsey Playfield, Central Park Summerstage
- Hudson River Park Pier 59
- Randall's Island
Brooklyn:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier I (launches 6/18)
- Fort Greene Park (launches 6/18)
- Coney Island
- Metrotech Plaza
- The Dumbo Arts Festival
- The Brooklyn Book Festival
Queens:
- Rockaway Beach
- Clearview Golf Course
- Socrates Sculpture Park
Bronx:
- Orchard Beach
Staten Island:
- Governor's Island (launches 6/18)
- La Tourette Golf Course
- Staten Island Zoo
The solar mobile charging units work day or night, in sun or shade. During the day, three monocrystalline solar panels collect the sun's energy to charge up powerful internal batteries. This enables AT&T Street Charge to power up phones, tablets, and other devices quickly-- even when the sun isn't shining.
