Ericsson have successfully tested their Psi Coverage energy saving solution on the Vodafone Egypt network, which will see the operator reduce on energy costs associated with 3G.
According to Ericsson the first field implementation (FFI) of the Psi-Coverage saw a 40 per cent reduction in energy consumption by reducing the total number of radios used for a 3G base station by 25 per cent.
Ericsson says the rollout of the technology will help bring 3G technology to densely populated areas in a more energy efficient way.
The successful testing also means the need for numerous base stations in an area will be eliminated by issuing one radio unit connecting three antennas together and providing high quality coverage.
According to Tony Dolton, chief technology officer at Vodafone Egypt, the technology will above all save on operating expenditure and capital cost.
“Psi-Coverage proved to be successful during testing, it reduced power consumption substantially and helped in saving OPEX/CAPEX costs. We are pleased to have partnered with Ericsson yet again on this opportunity to demonstrate technology leadership,” he said.
Ericsson’s president for the Middle East and Africa region Anders Lindblad said the technology is meant to bring sustainability to the mobile industry and reaching more people with various products.
“This is an example of innovating with our customers to try new and sustainable ways of bringing mobile broadband to the masses. Our continued partnership with Vodafone Egypt has allowed us to take a huge leap in deploying solutions for more sustainable mobile networks. Psi-Coverage allows operators to reduce carbon footprint while maintaining quality of services to their customers,” he said.
The solution is likely to be welcomed in countries with less energy supplies and huge demand for telecommunications products.
