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Universal mobile phone charging solution okayed


An energy-efficient universal charging solution for mobile phones has been approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized United Nations body. The solution enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model, the ITU said in a statement. Besides reducing the volume of cellphone chargers produced, shipped, and eventually discarded, the new standard will allow users worldwide to recharge their phones anywhere from any available charger, while also reducing the energy consumed while charging. The new UCS standard was based on input from the GSMA, which predicts a 50 percent reduction in standby energy consumption, elimination of 51,000 tons of redundant chargers, and a subsequent reduction of 13.6 million tons in greenhouse gas emissions each year. Based on the Micro-USB interface, UCS chargers will also include a 4-star or higher efficiency rating – up to three times more energy-efficient than an unrated charger. “This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging, which also has the benefit of making mobile phone use more straightforward. Universal chargers are a commonsense solution that I look forward to seeing in other areas," Malcolm Johnson, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), said. The announcement comes as ITU lobbies hard to have the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) recognized in the draft Copenhagen Agreement as a key part of the solution towards mitigating climate change. - GMANews.TV

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