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Barcelona - Ericsson, Samsung and LG have developed technologies which use the sun and wind to power networks and handsets.
These methods make it possible to deploy off-the-grid cellular networks, with handsets to boot. Vendors showcased their green cellular technologies at the annual Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.
Ericsson says there are 3.7 billion cellphone subscribers in the world and the industry aims to increase this number to more than 6.5 billion by 2013. Most potential new subscribers are in developing countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The Swedish cellular giant is therefore focusing on these regions with new technologies designed to tackle developing markets.
Ericsson says meeting these markets will require a drastic cost reduction and the ability to overcome barriers, including limitations in power provisioning. Solar power, wind and biofuels are the answer.
The new technologies from Ericsson are already being deployed as part of the Millennium Villages project. This United Nations initiative aims to work with technology vendors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to tackle poverty issues in Africa one village at a time.
Pan-African cellular operator Zain has built a green-powered site in a remote village in Kenya using the Ericsson technology. This enables the villagers of Dertu to make calls, access health and education services and improve their economic future. There is a direct link between broadband and mobile penetration and gross domestic product.
By using wind and solar power, the network can be independent from Kenya's power grid and is more sustainable than traditional networks.
On the handset side, Samsung showcased its Blue Earth cellphone, which is made from recycled plastic and uses solar power for energy. Samsung says that one hour of charge time from the phone's solar panel equates to about 15 minutes of talk time.
The phone also lets you know how much CO&sub2; emission you have managed to save by making choices like not using your car to get to the office. This device is clearly not designed for mass developing markets per se, but it does prove that solar-powered cellphones are now a reality.
Fellow Korean vendor LG also had solar technology on display, including a device cover with solar panels that can be used to charge just about any mobile phone.
Developing markets were a significant focus at the 2009 Mobile World Congress as these regions offer the most promise in terms of growth.
By using sustainable, clean energy sources and driving down costs, the industry seems bent on a cellular revolution in Africa.
* Dingle attended the Mobile World Congress as a guest of Motorola.
- Fin24.com