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: Telcos searching for a viable way to build profitable networks to connect the next billion subscribers could dial into this solar powered GSM mobile system. An environment-friendly and cost-effective solar-powered mobile system, developed by homegrown telecom equipment manufacturer Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) unveiled at ITU Telecom World 2009, is ready for commercial deployment.

Essentially, the solution works on solar power and promises to help operators to reduce their energy costs significantly. The energy costs, according to VNL, amount to about 32% of a telecom service provider’s operating costs. The network in terms of one base station could cost less than $10,000 (about Rs 5 lakh) compared to an estimated cost of over Rs 50 lakh from the traditional network vendors.

Called WorldGSM, it is working in two mobile phone networks in India, according to VNL chairman Rajeev Mehrotra. “It is already operational with two mobile operators in India. We cannot disclose the names as we have non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with them.” He promises to name them by the end of the year. “By then, we will be operating on two more continents,” he adds, confirming that they are in discussions with the partners. Their end-to-end solution was recently recognised as ‘best wireless innovation’ by Wall Street Journal and awarded overall bronze medal in its Technology Innovation Awards 2009.

Deployed in 50 villages in Rajasthan, the system consists of a nine metre pole with an Omni antenna on top, two solar panels measuring two square metres, a solar-powered battery back-up and the VNL BlueBoxBTS— a complete one or two TRX BTS. The entire village site requires just 50 watts to function, including the transmission. Unlike traditional GSM base stations, the village site needs no shelter, air conditioning, mains power, generator or diesel fuel. The system, that comes with a 20-year guarantee, works on solar panel, and can run without being powered for three days while the battery needs to be replaced every five years. “Some African nations have shown their keenness in setting up our system in their countries. Even developed nations find the concept interesting as the environment-friendly towers are totally emission-free compared to the traditional GSM towers,” says Mehrotra.