Public space and electric charging

I have written before about how policy in the DC Public Library System and the Chicago Cultural Center forbids patrons from connecting a digital device to an electric outlet.

Similarly, last November, in Sarasota Florida a homeless man was arrested for plugging his cellphone into an outlet at a public park ("Homeless man arrested for charging phone in park," Sarasota Herald-Tribune).

Meanwhile, in some airports there are specially created electric outlet stations. Samsung (press release has done this at 13 airports, as well as on college campuses and other major public buildings.  And many libraries do have enlightened policies about the use of electrical outlets.

In New York City, AT&T, in association with the City, is introducing 25 solar-powered charging stations in public spaces including parks and beaches.  (press release)

The system is called AT&T Street Charge.

It was done in part to build resiliency in the face of storms and power outages.



Map of locations for AT&T Street Charge chargers