EU adopts mobile phone universal charger in 2010

By Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 07:33

Technology

A pact between the European Union and major manufacturers will speed the adoption of a universal charger for mobile phones.

Earlier this year, GSM Association (GSMA) members agreed to a scheme that would standardise mobile phone chargers.

The idea was that by 2012, participants would use "4 star" (or better) chargers that are supposed to be up to three times more efficient than conventional chargers.

The chargers would use a standardised Micro-USB connector, making chargers and phones interoperable regardless of manufacturer.

Apart from making things more convenient for users, the plan would save manufacturers from having to provide a charger with each phone the sell, and aggregate power consumption would be reduced by the more efficient chargers.

Reducing the charger:phone ratio below 1:1 would also reduce material use and cut down on landfill.

Now comes news that the EU has persuaded the 10 companies that together take 90 percent of the European handset market to switch to the new charger standard next year - at least for "data enabled" phones.

While the arrangement is not legally binding, the 10 companies (including Apple, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Research in Motion, and Sony Ericsson) seem committed to the change.

As previously noted, Apple's use of the 30-pin dock connector on its various iPhone models including the new iPhone 3GS probably means the company would comply with the charger standard by providing a USB to Micro-USB adaptor.

While the deal only applies to phones sold in Europe, it may accelerate adoption of the universal charger in other markets.