Solar cell phones

Motorola today announced that it has deployed a wind and solar power system to operate MTC Namibia's GSM cell site at Dordabis village in the Khomas region of Namibia.

The trial with MTC Namibia supports the African operator's strategy for increased voice and data service coverage in rural areas of Namibia and is the first of its kind globally.

‘With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this Motorola solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity,’ said Albertus Aochamub, corporate services general manager, MTC Namibia.

By incorporating renewable energy solutions into communication networks Motorola is trialling this solution as a feasible option for operators instead of utilising costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection. The Dordabis cell site will remain a part of MTC Namibia's live GSM network throughout the trial.

Motorola has been working with the GSM Association on this project which was announced at 3GSM Barcelona in February this year.

‘A key challenge in much of Africa is connecting people in off-grid locations and this project seeks to highlight to operators that wind and solar power is a real and cost effective alternative,’ said Dawn Hartley, Development Fund manager at the GSMA.

With its expanded rural and roadside network coverage MTC Namibia is providing voice and GPRS/EDGE data services to enable new communities to access communication and the internet at a level not possible before.

Recently, MTC Namibia has also launched a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) service on its GPRS network. Initially being utilised as a communication aid to deliver services within local communities, it will be expanded to serve diverse subscriber groups and businesses in the future.