ITU approves universal mobile phone charger

A new mobile phone charger that will work with any handset has been approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations body.Industry body the GSMA predicts that 51,000 tonnes of redundant chargers are generated each year.To read this BBC News report in full, see:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8323018.stmAlso see:Universal phone charger standard approved [news release]
One-size-fits-all solution will dramatically cut waste and GHG emissions. “ICTs are an essential element of an effective Copenhagen climate agreement,” says Secretary-General Hamadoun TouréITU has given its stamp of approval to an energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobile phone solution. The announcement comes as ITU lobbies hard to have the essential role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) recognized in the draft Copenhagen Agreement as a key part of the solution towards mitigating climate change.Every mobile phone user will benefit from the new Universal Charging Solution (UCS), which enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model. In addition to dramatically cutting the number of chargers produced, shipped and subsequently discarded as new models become available, the new standard will mean users worldwide will be able to charge their mobiles 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 per cent reduction in standby energy consumption, elimination of 51,000 tonnes of redundant chargers, and a subsequent reduction of 13.6 million tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions each year.Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), Malcolm Johnson said: “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.”Standardization of the solution within ITU was completed by Study Group 5 – Environment and Climate Change, and will hasten broad adoption by industry. 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.
http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2009/49.html