Ericsson deploys latest solar powered cellular base station

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 25 November 2007 17:12

IT Industry - Strategy

Ericsson has completed the first deployment, in Indonesia, of a new solar-powered cellular base station. According to Ericsson the product, Main-Remote GSM base station RBS 2111, has a number of features designed to minimise power consumption and ease deployment in remote areas. It consumes up to 60 percent less power than conventional units, and the remote radio unit is mounted at the top of the tower, next to the antenna, thus reducing power loss in the cable connecting it to the antenna. It is also of modular construction with the heaviest component weighing only 35kg, to ease deployment where roads are poor or non-existent.

The installation, in Sumatra in conjunction with Indonesian cellular operator Telkomsel, will provide coverage of previously unserved areas. Ericsson delivered its first solar-powered sites in 2000 to Maroc Telecom and has over 100 sites installed around the world.