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A GSM System Powered by Good Ol’ Sol!
Even as we are still trying to get to grips with solar
chargers and other solar-powered options for our gadgets , the folks at
VNL have launched what they claim is the world’s first solar powered
GSM system. Evidently, it will not only enable mobile operators in the
developing world to reach remote rural areas, but will allow them to do
so without blowing a hole in their pockets.Called WorldGSM, the
system uses solar power as its single energy source – no diesel
generators required (Considering that mobile networks in India require
two billion litres of diesel every year to power back-up diesel
generators, that is a heck of a saving). It is made for simple delivery
and deployment by local workers – all resulting in zero opex,
dramatically lower capex and near zero maintenance. The solar-powered
base station needs only 50 – 120W per base station compared to the
3000W required for a traditional GSM one.Each site can be powered by a
2-8m² solar panel, rather than the 200 m² panel required to power a
traditional GSM base station.In some cases, VNL will bundle its
networks with other mobile equipment, such as phones and solar-powered
chargers, that offer a missing link in the rural telecom ecosystem.“We
have overcome all the challenges of providing GSM networks in rural
areas. Now operators have a truly viable way to build profitable
networks to connect the next billion mobile users,†said Anil Raj,
VNL’s CEO.The system scooped up the “best technology
foresight†category at the recent World Communications Awards, and is
expected to be commercially available later this year. We cannot wait.18 February 2009 in Events by Aman KapoorComment on this post
