Motorola and GSM Association Deploy Wind and Solar Powered Cell Site with MTC Namibia
World’s first wind and solar commercial network GSM cell site
WINDHOEK, Namibia – 16 May 2007 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today announced that it has deployed a wind and solar power system to operate MTC Namibia’s GSM cell site at Dordabis village in the Khomas region of Namibia. The trial with MTC Namibia supports the African operator’s strategy for increased voice and data service coverage in rural areas of Namibia and is the first of its kind globally.
“With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this Motorola solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity. This is an important project for us and commencement of the wind and solar cell site trial is proof of our commitment to our customers to provide the essential communication services needed in the region,” said Albertus Aochamub, corporate services general manager, MTC Namibia.
By incorporating renewable energy solutions into communication networks Motorola is trialling this solution as a feasible option for operators instead of utilising costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection. The Dordabis cell site will remain a part of MTC Namibia’s live GSM network throughout the trial.
Motorola has been working with the GSM Association on this project which was announced at 3GSM Barcelona in February this year. “A key challenge in much of Africa is connecting people in off-grid locations and this project seeks to highlight to operators that wind and solar power is a real and cost effective alternative. We expect this pilot to become a showcase for the industry and to see replication of the model thereafter,” said Dawn Hartley, Development Fund manager at the GSMA.
With its expanded rural and roadside network coverage MTC Namibia is providing voice and GPRS/EDGE data services to enable new communities to access communication and the internet at a level not possible before. Recently, MTC Namibia has also launched a Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) service on its GPRS network. Initially being utilized as a communication aid to deliver services within local communities, it will be expanded to serve diverse subscriber groups and businesses in the future.
“We are excited to be working with MTC Namibia on this solar and wind power powered cell site. Though this particular trial is being delivered on a GSM network, the Motorola solution has the capability to be applied to other wireless networks that have rural cell site power issues,” said Ali Amer, vice president, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.
Once installed, the cost of power is almost zero, and wind and solar powered cell sites require minimal maintenance unlike a diesel driven generator which generally requires, at a minimum, a monthly visit for refuelling. This translates into added savings in operating expenditure (OPEX), a key factor to emerging market network operators.
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
About 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 $42.9 billion in 2006. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit
www.moto, ,, prola.com.
About MTC Namibia
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 per cent of the shares in MTC by acquiring the 49 per cent held by Telia Overseas AB and Swedfund International AB. NPTH is 100 per cent 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 were concluded with Portugal Telecom which also holds the management contract.
www.mtc.com.na
About 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
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Media Contacts:
Lamia Jaroudi
Communications
Networks & Enterprise
Motorola Middle East and Africa
Tel: +97143081356
lamia@motorola.com
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