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The Taiwanese government plans to set up more phone charging stations throughout the country. On October 26, the Executive Yuan decided that over 1,300 post offices in Taiwan will provide free phone charging stations before the end of this year. Also, in February 2016, charging stations will be established in hospitals and libraries for the citizens’ convenience.

China Times reports, there are more than 16 million smart phone users in Taiwan and about 80% need to have their smart phones with them when they go out. In the Legislative Yuan’s interpellation, legislator Lai Shih-bao asked the government to set up 10 thousand charging stations in public areas before the end of this year. Premier Mao Chi-kuo agreed on the spot and said that they will start the discussion immediately.

Radio Taiwan International reports, in the first stage, the government will set up charging stations in places such as public transportation subordinated to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, post offices, gas stations, household and land offices, bike stations and visitor centers in national parks.

In the second stage, charging stations will be established in the Central Library and museums subordinated to the Ministry of Culture, and hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Welfare in February or March next year. The third stage will include places that have solar power facilities, but the implementation date is yet to be decided.

Apple Daily reports that the National Development Council senior analyst, Xu Jia-lin, emphasizes that future phone charging stations will provide at least two plugs: one being a general socket and the other a USB connector. As for the issue of power rate, Xu says the government will pay for the expenses. Preliminary estimations suggest that the budget will not increase too much.

Translated by Vic Chiang
Edited by Olivia Yang

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