Solar-powered charging stations launch today in NYC
Posted by: Jon on 06/18/2013 07:59 AM
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AT&T today will introduce something today that has the possibility ti help all of us that are constantly on the go to keep our phones charged and running. The 25 solar charging stations will pop up in various locations around the 'Big Apple' as part of a pilot project from AT&T in partnership with the city.
The New York Times says the charging stations — 12.5-foot steel poles with three petal-shaped solar panels fanning out on top — can accommodate up to six devices at a time regardless of wireless carrier, with dedicated ports for iPhones, Androids, BlackBerrys and standard USB charging cables.
Designed by a Dumbo-based firm, Pensa, with solar technology from Goal Zero, a mobile solar start-up, they are to remain in place in spots like Union Square Park, Metrotech Plaza and Rockaway Beach for three to four weeks at a time until October. If successful, AT&T could expand to other cities. The project will cost $300,000 to $500,000.
“We view this as a commitment to being a part of the New York community as a corporate citizen but also as a way for New Yorkers to continue to engage with their technology as they continue to consume more and more data,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T’s New York division.
It is also good for the company’s bottom line. The city has more mobile customers than in any other market, and executives, who have promoted use of their network by providing free wireless in subways and at parks and cultural events, realized there was a need for more frequent charging.
So where will you be able to find Street Charge? Although the final schedule isn’t yet set in stone, Inhabitat provides the expected lineup and they note that all the locations below are not yet open except for Fort Greene Park:
Manhattan: Riverside Park, Pier I Rumsey Playfield, Central Park Summerstage Hudson River Park Pier 59 Union Square Park, North Plaza
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 Fort Greene Park Coney Island Metrotech Plaza Dumbo Arts Festival Brooklyn Book Festival
Queens: Rockaway Beach Clearview Golf Course Socrates Sculpture Park
Bronx: Orchard Beach
Staten Island: La Tourette Golf Course Staten Island Zoo
Other: Governor’s Island Randall’s Island
The New York Times says the charging stations — 12.5-foot steel poles with three petal-shaped solar panels fanning out on top — can accommodate up to six devices at a time regardless of wireless carrier, with dedicated ports for iPhones, Androids, BlackBerrys and standard USB charging cables.Designed by a Dumbo-based firm, Pensa, with solar technology from Goal Zero, a mobile solar start-up, they are to remain in place in spots like Union Square Park, Metrotech Plaza and Rockaway Beach for three to four weeks at a time until October. If successful, AT&T could expand to other cities. The project will cost $300,000 to $500,000.
“We view this as a commitment to being a part of the New York community as a corporate citizen but also as a way for New Yorkers to continue to engage with their technology as they continue to consume more and more data,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president of AT&T’s New York division.
It is also good for the company’s bottom line. The city has more mobile customers than in any other market, and executives, who have promoted use of their network by providing free wireless in subways and at parks and cultural events, realized there was a need for more frequent charging.
So where will you be able to find Street Charge? Although the final schedule isn’t yet set in stone, Inhabitat provides the expected lineup and they note that all the locations below are not yet open except for Fort Greene Park:
Manhattan: Riverside Park, Pier I Rumsey Playfield, Central Park Summerstage Hudson River Park Pier 59 Union Square Park, North Plaza
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 Fort Greene Park Coney Island Metrotech Plaza Dumbo Arts Festival Brooklyn Book Festival
Queens: Rockaway Beach Clearview Golf Course Socrates Sculpture Park
Bronx: Orchard Beach
Staten Island: La Tourette Golf Course Staten Island Zoo
Other: Governor’s Island Randall’s Island
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