First solar-powered GSM network launched in india
07 Oct 2009
Telecom equipment maker Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) today announced the commercial launch of its first solar-powered GSM system, making it possible to build profitable businesses serving mobile phone users in difficult-to-reach areas.
The solar-powered network is designed to help mobile operators build sustainable and profitable networks in remote areas where average revenue per user (ARPU) is as low as Rs100 a month.
"Traditional GSM was not designed for the unique challenges posed by the rural opportunity. It costs too much, is too expensive to run, uses too much power and is too difficult to deploy," VNL said in a release.
There is also no immediate possibilities of scaling back costs by stripping back today's GSM infrastructure.
The challenge for mobile operators in emerging economies is to provide value to sophisticated users at least cost.
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