The Cambodian mobile operator Star-Cell is getting some helped from Ericsson (News - Alert) in expanding its network coverage in remote areas. For this purpose Ericsson has combined a GSM base station and satellite transmission in a solar-powered site.

 

Ericsson claims that through their energy-optimized main-remote base-station affordable communications can be offered.

 

The Applifone Company, known under the brand name Star-Cell, is a private GSM mobile operator in Cambodia. Ericsson is a provider of technology and services to telecom operators and deals in 2G and 3G mobile technologies and claims to supply communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers.

 

Denis Ryabtsev, chief marketing officer at Star-Cell, said, "Ericsson's solar-powered site with satellite transmission will make a significant difference. It enables us to expand cost-effectively into rural areas, connect people for the first time, and offer affordable services that improve quality of life."

 

According to company officials this deployment follows a series of initiatives from Ericsson to optimize the energy efficiency of mobile networks by creating solutions that reduce environmental impacts and lower operator costs. These initiatives include: BTS Power Savings features that put a network in stand-by mode during off-peak hours and saves up to 15 percent of the network access energy consumption; the innovative site concept Ericsson Tower Tube; biofuel-powered telecom sites; a hybrid solution using diesel and batteries that cuts network operating costs by up to 50 percent; and the Solar Village Charger, co-developed with Sony Ericsson (News - Alert).

 

A GSM main-remote station uses less than 50% of power than the traditional remote station and also lowers total cost of ownership by reducing operating costs. The need for a satellite transmission is that more than 80% of Cambodian populace lives outside of urban areas and a large area of remote areas where other transmission solutions are unavailable had to covered. The solution from Ericsson is also affordable.

 

Star-Cell asserts that it has selected Ericsson's solution to expand network coverage and introduce EDGE-based applications to enable mobile health and educational services for rural communities.

 

While Ericsson states that this highlights their commitment to sustainable development and of their vision of providing communication for all.