Ericsson and Telecom Italia Showcase Innovative Solar Site Solution

Showcasing the viability of alternative energy sources for both developed and developing telecom markets, Ericsson and Telecom Italia have completed the trial of a solar-powered site development. Based on flexible solar panels, this Eco-Smart solution can generate up to 100 percent of the energy required to power a site.

 

In many parts of the world, rolling out telecommunication networks is facing huge roadblocks because of lack of reliable power supplies and soaring diesel costs. Also, operators are looking for ways to reduce CO2 emissions to lessen their impact on the environment and comply with new regulations. Ericsson (News - Alert) Efficient Energy Solution is an end-to-end offering that helps operators to decide how best to address their specific energy and environmental concerns.

 

The trial is being carried out in the Italian city of L'Aquila. This is the city where G8 leaders are meeting this week to discuss the difficulties posed by climate change ahead of December's United Nations conference on climate in Copenhagen. According to Ericsson, this solution provides operators with significant advantages in terms of operational expenses.

 

Cesare Avenia, president of Ericsson Italy says that Ericsson is at the forefront of energy-efficient solutions development, said: “The Eco-Smart represents everything telecommunications and Ericsson stand for - using innovative solutions to improve lives. The solution also confirms Ericsson's leading position as an integrator, as it can be used with any technology, 2G, 3G or LTE (News - Alert), and in multi-vendor environments.”

 

In 2008, Ericsson and Telecom Italia (News - Alert) signed an agreement to jointly develop sustainable solutions. The agreement confirms both companies' commitment to a more innovative and eco-sustainable society and features an elliptical support structure coated with flexible solar panels wrapping up the antenna.

 

Recently, Sprint and Ericsson announced that the companies reached an agreement under which Ericsson will take on 6,000 Sprint (News - Alert) employees in a seven-year services contract worth between $4.5 billion and $5 billion. According to the agreement, Sprint will keep full ownership and control of its network assets and continue to make network investment and strategy decisions.