The GSMA, along with 17 leading mobile operators and manufacturers, announced plans to implement a cross-industry standard for a universally compatible mobile phone charger. This initiative is targeted at providing the industry with a common format for mobile phone chargers, while also delivering energy-efficient solutions that would drive to a 50 per cent reduction in standby energy consumption. At the same time, they also expect to eliminate up to 51,000 tonnes of duplicate chargers and to enhance the consumer experience by simplifying the action of charging mobile phones.

The group expects to be able provide a universal charging solution (UCS) by 2012, one that would be available on the market worldwide, based on Micro-USB as the common universal charging interface. Moreover, the group stated that most of the new phone models should support the universal charging connector by January 1, 2012, while the chargers shipped would be able to meet the high efficiency targets set out by the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform), the developer of the technical requirements of UCS.

“The mobile industry has a pivotal role to play in tackling environmental issues and this programme is an important step that could lead to huge savings in resources, not to mention convenience for consumers,” said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board of the GSMA. “There is enormous potential in mobile to help people live and work in an eco-friendly way and with the backing of some or the biggest names in the industry, this initiative will lead the way.”

Consumers will also find a universal charger a much comfortable solution, as they would be able to use it with future handsets as well, while also being able to charge their devices with any charger anywhere. In addition, the group says, UCS chargers will include a 4-star or higher efficiency rating, leveraged about three times in comparison with an unrated charger. Given the fact that almost 50 percent less chargers will be made each year, the industry will also be able to reduce greenhouse gases by 13.6 to 21.8 million tonnes a year.

GSMA and mobile phone operators have partnered for launching the initiative, and they announced cooperating with OMTP for rolling out the new solution so that the 2012 target would be met. At the same time, the wider operator and manufacturing communities will also be dragged into the move so that global participation is ensured.

3 Group, AT&T, KTF, LG, Mobilkom Austria, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Telenor, Telstra, T-Mobile and Vodafone are the initial members of the group.