Back By Popular Demand: AT&T Expands Solar Mobile Charging Initiative To Give New Yorkers A Free Charge All Summer Long

NEW YORK, May 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T will nearly double the number of solar mobile charging stations available in outdoor locations throughout the five boroughs this summer in an effort to forge a sustainable solution to keeping New Yorkers connected. Beginning this week, anyone with a mobile phone or tablet can charge their device for free at one of the AT&T Street Charge units in parks, beaches and outdoor gathering spots. After kicking off at the World's Fair Anniversary event today, units will be deployed to more locations citywide throughout the summer.

The company, which has a history of developing cutting edge innovations spanning more than one hundred years, unveiled the latest model of AT&T Street Charge at the site of the 1964 World's Fair in Queens, where the company debuted the world's first "Picturephone" 50 years ago. The original Picturephone joined the AT&T Street Charge unit for a first-hand look at how far communications technology has come over the past five decades.

"AT&T is always looking for new ways technology can improve people's every day lives. Fifty years ago, it was by introducing the "Picturephone" and today its about helping people keep the "picturephones" in their pockets fully charged while on the go," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York State President, AT&T. "AT&T Street Charge grew out of a need for a sustainable power source during Superstorm Sandy and took on a life of its own when we deployed more than two dozen solar-powered units around the city last summer. We're excited to expand the program this year to more locations for longer periods of time so that anyone who needs a charge on the go can find one."

"We are pleased to be working with AT&T again this year to provide Street Charge stations in many parks throughout the City" said NYC Parks Deputy Commissioner for Management, Budget and Public Programs Robert Garafola. "In this day and age, people are becoming more tech-savvy and dependent on their mobile devices for communication, information and entertainment. As the warm weather approaches and New Yorkers take to the outdoors, they will be able to utilize the AT&T charging stations along with public WiFi at many parks and beaches. New Yorkers will now be able to stay charged and extend their visits to some of the City's most scenic spaces."

User response to AT&T Street Charge in 2013 was overwhelmingly positive. AT&T made some additional upgrades to the enhanced and new units in order to make them more weather resistant and able to withstand higher usage. These changes will help ensure New Yorkers have the best experience possible while charging up. 

New Yorkers can find AT&T Street Charge starting today, and at the following locations in all five boroughs through the summer:

Manhattan:

• Central Park
• Marcus Garvey Park
• Coenties Slip
• Old Slip
• Mannahatta
• Pier 15
• East River Esplanade
• Bowling Green Park
• South Street Seaport
• Edgar Plaza
• Union Square
• Governor's Island

Queens:

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park
• Rockaway Beach

The Bronx:

• Orchard Beach

Brooklyn:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Coney Island
• Brighton Beach

Staten Island:

• South Beach
• Midland Beach

AT&T Street Charge units work day or night, in sun or shade. During the day, three monocrystaline 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 as quickly as a wall—even when the sun isn't shining.

"AT&T's solar charging stations have been a popular and attractive addition to Brooklyn Bridge Park," said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. "We are proud to have been a part of Street Charge 2013, and congratulate AT&T on bringing new and innovative technology to even more of the City's parks and public spaces."

"Staying connected and being fully charged are essentials in our fast paced lives," said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. "These environmentally forward solar chargers are a great amenity for the residents, workers and visitors in Lower Manhattan. Great thanks to AT&T and all the city agencies who have a partnered with us to make this happen."

"We want New Yorkers to spend as much uninterrupted time in Central Park as possible during these wonderful summer months," said Douglas Blonsky, President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy. "AT&T's innovative solar Street Charge units enable visitors to harness the power of the sun for their mobile phones without having to leave the Park."

AT&T Street Charge is part of a larger effort by AT&T to keep New Yorkers connected to the things that matter to them most. It complements the Wi-Fi in the Parks initiative, AT&T provides free Wi-Fi to park goers - regardless of their provider - in more than 25 parks locations across all five boroughs. AT&T customers can also connect to the mobile network on more than 36 subway platforms today growing to many stations across the five boroughs in the coming years.

To find a full list of StreetCharge locations, visit www.att.com/attstreetcharge or follow us on Twitter @ATTNYC #attstreetcharge

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse^® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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Reliability claim based on data transfer completion rates on nationwide 4G LTE networks. 4G LTE availability varies.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.