Motorola (NYSE:MOT) and MTC Namibia today announced the successful completion of the wind and solar power system trial conducted with the GSM Association on MTC Namibia`s cell site at Dordabis village in the Khomas region of Namibia.
"The Dordabis trial project produced highly encouraging results. To move forward with our growth strategy, MTC Namibia needed an efficient and reliable alternative to mains grid electricity solution.
"Based on the success of this trial, we are now in a position to place remote base stations, fuelled by renewable energy sources, where we need them. This means that we can continue to deliver on our commitment to our customers," said Albertus Aochamub, corporate affairs general manager of MTC Namibia.
Motorola, the GSM Association, and MTC Namibia chose to run the Dordabis trial during the winter months, when both wind and solar energy would be at their lowest availability. Since May 2007, a solar array and a wind turbine have jointly been generating the electrical power needed to drive a mid-sized cell and support a microwave backhaul installation.
"Operators are investing heavily in developing their infrastructures in the African continent and other developing regions, but achieving wide coverage can be a significant challenge when base stations are located in remote areas.
"Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar make it not only possible but also cost-effective for network operators to deliver mobile voice and data services in remote rural areas, where mains electricity is either not available at all or prohibitively expensive. The successful conclusion of the trial with Motorola and MTC Namibia is exciting because it demonstrates to operators that they can break through one of the key barriers to expanding coverage," said Dawn Hartley, development fund manager at the GSMA.
Based on the successful trials conducted in Namibia and previously in the UK, which have generated interest from the operator community, Motorola renewable energy solutions are now commercially available.
"The MTC Namibia GSM trial reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that are tailored to African operators` needs. We are pleased to work with MTC Namibia and the GSM Association and demonstrate how a combination of wind and solar power can be as effective as mains power in keeping cellular base stations running at peak performance.
"In addition, the Motorola solutions used needed minimal maintenance, which reduces the cost and complexity of remote-area maintenance for operators. We look forward to continue supporting the growth of operators such as MTC Namibia, through delivering practical and commercially viable solutions," said Ali Amer, vice-president of sales, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.
Though the MTC Namibia trial was delivered on a GSM network, the Motorola solutions can be applied to other wireless networks that have rural cell site power issues. The trial, which was announced at the 3GSM World Congress, in Barcelona, in February 2007 and deployed in May 2007, has been named as a finalist in the British Computer Society`s awards for the best use of green technology.
Motorola`s renewable energy solutions for powering wireless network cell sites are part of the company`s Reach GSM portfolio. For more information, please review the solar and wind trial micro site at: www.motorola.com/reach/windandsolartrial.
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MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Limited) was established in 1995 as a joint venture between Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), Telia and Swedfund. During May 2004, NPTH concluded a deal that saw it hold 100% of the shares in MTC by acquiring the 49% held by Telia Overseas AB and Swedfund International AB. NPTH is 100% owned by the government of the Republic of Namibia. On 1 September 2006 the sale of 34% of MTC shares to a strategic/technical partner was concluded with Portugal Telecom, which also holds the management contract. www.mtc.com.na
GSMA Development Fund
The GSMA`s Development Fund was set up in October 2005 to catalyse the role of mobile technology in social, economic and environmental development. Working with the mobile industry, the development community and governments, the fund seeks to identify innovative ideas for development that are scalable and sustainable on a global level. By focusing on practical implementation, the Development Fund and its partners create unique knowledge and experience of the role and potential of mobile technology in development. For more information, please visit: www.gsmworld.com/developmentfund/index.shtml.
Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and seamlessly to the people, information and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks - along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $42.8 billion in 2006. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.
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