The deployment of Ericsson’s solar-powered GSM radio base station, Main Remote RBS 2111, is ideal for sites that are beyond the reach of an electricity grid or are in particularly remote locations. It provides a cost-effective alternative energy source – solar power – with a smaller environmental footprint: up to 60 percent less energy than an ordinary macro coverage base station. In addition, it is easy to deploy, with the heaviest component weighing only 35kg.

Bona LP Parapat, vice president, Radio, Network, Engineering and Implementation, outer Java and Bali, Telkomsel, explains: “There are a lot of areas that are not covered by cellular services in Indonesia, and Telkomsel is definitely aiming for these areas to get services deployed there. Most of the potential customers from these areas will be in the low income segment. That is why we are eager to find a low cost solution to provide cellular coverage.”

The remote radio unit is placed at the top of the tower, reducing feeder loss and power use, making it possible to combine with solar power, which translates into significantly lower operating expenses. The base station’s light weight and distributed architecture means no site floor space is needed, making it easier for network operators to roll out.

“With the combined solution, it will certainly help us to accelerate our rollout speed,” Parapat says. “The macro coverage will help us reduce the costs as fewer sites are needed Developing solutions that optimize the energy efficiency of mobile networks is a key focus area for Ericsson, and it is the only vendor with a main remote solution for GSM systems. Energy efficient products not only reduce environmental impacts during the operational phase, but also help lower network operating costs.

Bengt Thornberg, president, Ericsson Indonesia, says: “The real benefit of getting coverage out in the more remote areas is that now we are enabling both voice as well as data communication for people that have never encountered telecommunications before.

“Now we are proving the same equipment, both in the capital cities and also in the more remote areas. The strength is in our total offering, where we combine product solutions and our network rollout services. That gives us a real edge in the market.”

Energy efficiency is a key message in Ericsson’s Winning Proposition, Communications Expander.