The green theme has taking center stage this week, with vendors stepping up to showcase their low-energy and clean-tech credentials.
Leading the charge is Indian vendor VNL, which yesterday launched what it claims is the world\'s first 100% solar-powered GSM base station designed specifically for off-grid remote areas.
VNL chairman and CEO Rajiv Mehotra told Show Daily that its WorldGSM BTS requires almost no opex. The solar panels, which have a life expectancy of 20 years, need to be dusted once a week in most areas.
"We have designed ours from the ground up to run only on solar power in areas with no electricity. They are highly efficient, easy to install and don\'t require complex RF planning, which typically can take three to four months."
The WorldGSM has a built-in power system and back-up battery supply that allows it to operate in rainy and foggy conditions for extended periods. He said in foggy weather the system runs at 25-30% efficiency.
It offers two models: a village unit, which has a 2-km range and consumes just 50W, and a rural unit, with a range of 5-6 km and runs on 150W.
Mehotra said the village unit can be installed by two unskilled workers within six hours. "It come in six boxes and there is no text in the manual, which just has photos."
Meanwhile, other vendors are lining up to show off their green products.
"¢ ZTE says it has revamped its production system to eliminate hazardous materials, reduce product size and use recycled materials for packaging. It is hawking a highly efficient power amplifier and base station transceivers.
"¢ Samsung is promoting its Blue Earth Dream phone, made from recycled plastic and featuring a solar powered panel that can recharge the battery.
"¢ Eltek Valere, a Norwegian company, is selling power systems and rectifiers for telcos, in response to an upsurge in demand in the last two years, according to APAC managing director Kenneth Bodahl. "Operators are changing their focus from capex to opex," he said. "They need to cut opex to survive."
"¢ Canadian firm TelcoBridges says its new compact, high-density media gateway offers energy savings of up to 80%.