Some Solutions

Alternative approaches to lowering basestation power needs include using lower frequencies, reducing the number of basestations by sharing with other companies, using alternative energy sources, and adopting more natural cooling/heating arrangements where possible.

The use of lower frequencies means that a basestation can cover a wider area with the same or lower power. In turn, this means fewer basestations will be needed. This is all well and good in theory, but on a practical basis, it is very difficult to implement. Changing frequencies and spectrum involves licensing issues, not to mention equipment purchases. It’s a good long-term strategy for carriers, however, and one they should all look at as they expand their facilities. Those who own the new 700-MHz spectrum (AT&T and Verizon) will really get help in this regard.

Sharing basestations and networks is another approach. Again, it’s not easy to make competitors come together and figure out a way that all parties win. It’s not impossible either, though good luck will be required.

Alternative energy sources are a great idea, but again, they require new equipment purchases. Sobieck described how Cellcom, a small operator in Wisconsin, implemented a basestation to fill in coverage along a major highway between two of the cities it serves (see the figure). The basestation was located in the boonies without electricity, so Cellcom built the site totally off the grid. It uses a large solar array and a 48-V battery system—not ideal for sun-deprived Wisconsin in the winter.

This solar array has a 6.3-kW capacity. A 900-W wind generator backs up the solar panels, and a fuel cell backs up both solar and wind generators. A gasoline generator is available if all else fails. Natural cooling and heating systems are used. This system works great and is a good example of what can be done—if the operator can get the blessing to deploy the ugly solar and wind equipment in cities and neighborhoods that deplore them as well as the towers and antennas.

In any case, the industry is working on the problem. Newer equipment is more efficient, and as more sites adopt the power amps on the tower approach, progress will be good. All this is a great example of what all industries will be going through to become greener. What we want and need to do is mostly in direct conflict with the saving of energy and the conservation we need to practice. Yet there are ways to have your cake and eat it too. You just have to look longer and harder for them—and spend lots of money.

But That’s Not All

There are other, more indirect ways to implement green technology. For example, some carriers want to promote the greater use of the telecom system for telecommuting, video conferencing, e-learning, and e-health to keep people off the roads. It’s a good idea, but how does one track and measure its success? Another is handset recycling. Millions of handsets are discarded each year with detrimental environmental effects. It’s a great idea if you can get consumers to turn in their old phones.

A business strategy and technology consulting firm known as inCode listed the green movement as one of its key telecom predictions for 2009, noting that “Green is the new black.” I agree. Meanwhile, Avren Events plans a separate green basestation conference in Bath, the U.K., on April 23-24 and later in the U.S. on Nov. 18-20. Check out the full schedule at www.avrenevents.com.

Meanwhile, you’ll note that we have a new feature here at Mobile Dev & Design: reader feedback. We want to know what you think, especially about hot topics like green design. Simply add your comments to the box below, share your views with your fellow readers, and join the conversation!

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