Digicel Pacific has made the move from 2G to 3G in its Papua New Guinea operations using a hybrid power solution deployed by Ericsson.
The product combines solar panels, rechargeable batters and diesel generators to help the operator reduce fuel and manpower costs. Digicel Pacific used the hybrid power product to power its existing RBS 6000 base stations, which facilitated the transition to 3G. Digicel Pacific started 2G operations in Papua New Guinea in 2007 and currently has more than 600 2G sites deployed.
The hybrid power product is suited to markets with large rural areas such as Papua New Guinea, where helicopter was the only means by which materials and manpower could reach certain base stations, said Rajendra Pengrekar, an Ericsson regional president. He said just 18% of Papua New Guinea’s population lives in urban areas.
Digical Pacific operates 2G networks in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Nauru. Its business in Papua New Guinea and Samoa comprises 75% of its subscriber base.