Digicel Group, a mobile telecommunications operator in the Caribbean, announced today that it’s selected Ericsson’s (News - Alert) solar-powered site solution to provide energy-lean network coverage in remote areas of Suriname.

 

The deployment marks a first in South America, company officials say.

 

Based on Ericsson’s main remote GSM base station RBS 2111, the solution offers low energy consumption, which helps reduce operating costs and environmental impact, according to the companies. The RBS 2111 is one in a series of energy-optimized, innovative base stations from Ericsson that has a smaller environmental footprint than a standard base station, and consumes up to 50 percent less energy, company officials say.

 

In addition to the solar-powered site solution, Ericsson will also supply MINI-LINK TN all-outdoor transmission, solar panels and battery back-up solutions, company officials say.

 

According to Mario Assaad, chief technology officer for Digicel (News - Alert) Group, Ericsson’s energy-friendly solution will help lower operational expenditure and reduce environmental impact. Assaad said that by extending coverage in Suriname, Digicel Group opens the door to new revenue streams, giving subscribers access to services on the move, as well as providing communications to people in remote areas for the first time.

 

Sergio Quiroga da Cunha, president of Ericsson in northern Latin America, said that this agreement marks an important milestone and that company officials are proud to implement the first solar solution in South America. Da Cunha said that energy efficiency is a key factor for network optimization as it helps lower total cost of ownership and enables operators to bring affordable communications to subscribers.