Vodafone Egypt Tests Energy-Saving PsI-Coverage Solution from Ericsson

First of its kind Psi-Coverage solution trial from Ericsson deployed on Vodafone Egypt's live network
Resulted in 40% lower power consumption
Reducing energy consumption makes 3G coverage expansion more affordable; operators can more easily bring mobile broadband to more subscribers
Innovative combination of software and hardware solution boosts uplink coverage and capacity, allowing operators to offer high-quality services to users
Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has announced that it successfully tested Psi-Coverage, a first-of-its-kind energy-saving solution in the Vodafone Egypt Network. Psi-Coverage will provide end users with mobile broadband (3G) coverage, while enabling considerable energy and cost savings for the operator.

In the First Field Implementation (FFI), Psi-Coverage lowered energy consumption by 40 percent as a result of reducing the amount of radios used for a 3G base station (from 3 to 1) within the network. By rolling out the solution, Psi-Coverage brings high quality coverage to less densely populated areas. Eliminating excess power consumption creates a more energy efficient network.

Tony Dolton, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Egypt, said: "Psi-Coverage proved to be successful during testing, it reduced power consumption substantially and helped in saving OPEX/CAPEX costs. We are pleased to have partnered with Ericsson yet again on this opportunity to demonstrate technology leadership."

The Ericsson-unique solution eliminates the need for three radios in a coverage area, and instead uses one radio unit that connects three antennas together to provide high quality coverage without the power usage that is necessary in larger cities. The name of the solution is symbolic, as PSI in Greek has the shape of a fork with three teeth, representing the innovative set-up of the network.

Anders Lindblad, President of Region Middle East and Africa, Ericsson, says: "This is an example of innovating with our customers to try new and sustainable ways of bringing mobile broadband to the masses. Our continued partnership with Vodafone Egypt has allowed us to take a huge leap in deploying solutions for more sustainable mobile networks. Psi-Coverage allows operators to reduce carbon footprint while maintaining quality of services to their customers."

Ericsson and Vodafone recognize the increasingly important role of the mobile industry in helping to achieve sustainable development. Psi-Coverage helps achieve more energy efficient networks through better resource consumption. As Egypt transforms into a highly connected market, mobile users will enjoy benefits of data with less strain on energy consumption.