Vihaan's solar-powered GSM network operates at `zero cost'

Vihaan Network Ltd (VNL), promoted by Rajiv Mehrotra of the Shyam Group, has unveiled the world's first solar-powered GSM system - WorldGSM - that would enable telecom operators to offer mobile services at much lower rates than existing tariffs and still make profits.

The zero-operating cost mobile phone network is specially designed to enable mobile operators in the developing world to reach remote rural areas without compromising on their commercial interests.

Vihaan Network has re-engineered the complete end-to-end GSM system consisting of MSC, BSC, BTS, power system and microwave backhaul over the last five years in order to adapt to solar power operation, Mehrotra said.

The new technology, while reducing the cost of operation for the company, also is cleaner from the environment point of view, he said.

''Traditional GSM equipment is not designed for the unique challenges posed by remote rural areas. It costs too much, is too expensive to run, uses too much power and is too difficult to deploy (especially in areas with no electricity, poor roads and a lack of trained engineers),'' it said.

The use of solar power not only drastically reduces operating expenses for mobile operators but also contributes to a much lower environmental impact. VNL estimates that mobile networks in India alone require two billion litres of diesel every year to power back-up diesel generators.

A base station in the network could cost less than $10,000 (about Rs5 lakh), compared to an estimated cost of over Rs50 lakh from the traditional network vendors.
 
Vihaan has been building mobile macro-networks covering cities, suburbs, and rural areas across the world over the past few years. The company has been using micro-networks to enable the customization and innovation in wireless.

Shyam Telecom provides a wide-range of coverage products that assist mobile operators in optimising their network performance by deploying customised coverage solutions as per the subscriber topography. It offers  innovative and cost-effective solutions that make business sense and connect even the remotest villages to global information.

For real-estate owners and developers, Shyam Telecom offers coverage for multiple mobile operators along with public safety and two-way devices.

''VNL has opened up a whole new area of subscriber and revenue growth for operators. They've built a commercially viable GSM system to service remote, low-density rural areas,'' said Sharifah Amirah of Frost & Sullivan.

WorldGSM won the ''best technology foresight'' category at the recent World Communications Awards. The system will be commercially available later this year.