MTC uses renewable energy to power site

MOBILE Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and has joined forces with Motorola to deploy a wind- and solar-power system to operate MTC Namibia’s GSM cell site at Dordabis village in the Khomas Region.

This trial – said to be the first of its kind – is in line with both companies’ objective for increased voice and data service coverage in rural areas of Namibia, and the region. MTC Corporate Services General Manager Albertus Aochamub this week said the initiative was an important project and was proof of MTC’s commitment to providing essential communication services needed in the region.”With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity,” he said.The Dordabis base station will remain a part of MTC’s live GSM network throughout the trials.Motorola believes that incorporating renewable energy into communication networks, is a better option instead of using costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection.Said Charlotte Connatty, GSMA Project Manager for the MTC trial: “A key challenge in much of Africa is connecting people in off-grid locations and this project seeks to highlight to operators that wind and solar power is a real and cost-effective alternative.We expect this pilot to become a showcase for the industry and to see replication of the model thereafter.”According to experts, once installed, the cost of power is next to nothing, as wind- and solar-powered cell sites need minimal maintenance, unlike diesel-driven generators which generally require a monthly visit for refuelling.MTC Corporate Services General Manager Albertus Aochamub this week said the initiative was an important project and was proof of MTC’s commitment to providing essential communication services needed in the region.”With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity,” he said.The Dordabis base station will remain a part of MTC’s live GSM network throughout the trials.Motorola believes that incorporating renewable energy into communication networks, is a better option instead of using costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection.Said Charlotte Connatty, GSMA Project Manager for the MTC trial: “A key challenge in much of Africa is connecting people in off-grid locations and this project seeks to highlight to operators that wind and solar power is a real and cost-effective alternative.We expect this pilot to become a showcase for the industry and to see replication of the model thereafter.”According to experts, once installed, the cost of power is next to nothing, as wind- and solar-powered cell sites need minimal maintenance, unlike diesel-driven generators which generally require a monthly visit for refuelling.