Ericsson and the operator Zain are nominated in the category Best Use of Mobile for Social and Economic Development for its involvement in the Millennium Villages project. Ericsson is partnering with the United Nations and The Earth Institute to provide connectivity to African villages through the project. The partnership will bring mobile communication and the internet to almost half a million people in 10 countries throughout the continent.

The other nomination is in the category Best Network Technology Advance, where Ericsson could win an award for its hybrid energy solution for diesel and battery. The solution is a self-contained power system with a new type of battery that optimizes charge and discharge levels, extending the lifetime of the battery and the diesel generator. This energy-efficient solution reduces diesel consumption by up to 50 percent, cutting fuel bills, fuel transport costs and maintenance requirements.

The GSMA Global Mobile Awards have been handed out every year since 1995. This year’s winners will be announced at the Mobile World Congress gala dinner and awards night on Tuesday February 17, at the National Palace in Barcelona.

The awards attract entries from around the world and are judged by a panel of independent industry experts, analysts, journalists and academics.