Ericsson, Telkomsel Indonesia deploy solar-driven macro base station

Ericsson announced its latest evolution in low-energy telecommunication solutions, a solar-driven and energy-efficient main-remote GSM base station deployed in conjunction with leading Indonesian operator PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel). The breakthrough deployment will provide macro coverage in the untapped areas of Sumatra and address the mobile communications needs in the rural areas in Indonesia.

The Main-Remote GSM base station RBS 2111 is part of the Ericsson Communications Expander portfolio. It has a smaller environmental footprint than a standard base station, consuming up to 60% less energy. The remote radio unit is placed at the top of the tower, reducing feeder loss and power use. The solution is also easy to deploy, with the heaviest component weighing only 35kg.

The new site solution is ideal for deployment in rural areas with limited electricity supply. The site does not require diesel fuel and has maintenance-free batteries, providing wider coverage while reducing network operating expenses and total cost of ownership.

This deployment follows a series of pioneering initiatives from Ericsson to optimize the energy efficiency of mobile networks by creating solutions that reduce environmental impacts and lower operator costs. These initiatives include: a 35% efficiency improvement for 3G radio base stations in 2006; GSM power-saving features; the Ericsson Tower Tube; biofuel-powered telecom sites; and the Solar Village Charger, co-developed with Sony Ericsson. Ericsson delivered its first solar-powered sites in 2000 to Maroc Telecom, and has over 100 sites today.

Telkomsel is the leading operator of cellular telecom services in Indonesia with 44.5 mln customers or around 55% market share. It provides GSM cellular services in Indonesia, through its own nationwide Dual band 900/1800 MHz GSM/GPRS/Wi-Fi/EDGE/3G network. Telkomsel is the first operator in Indonesia to launch 3G services in September 2006 and had the biggest 3G community with 3.25 mln subscribers in 70 cities.