Motorola Enables Broadband Everywhere with Fuel Cell Alternative Power at Mobile World Congress

Motorola further advances alternative power solutions for multiple technologies

BARCELONA, Spain – Mobile World Congress 2008 .– As the demand for energy soars in the face of growing concerns for the environment, Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is developing alternative power solutions that support multiple wireless technologies from GSM, for example, to high speed mobile broadband including HSxPA and WiMAX. Motorola’s alternative power solutions are on display during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2008 at Motorola’s booth AV09, outside Fira Barcelona Hall 8.

Motorola is showcasing a number of new alternative power technologies at MWC, including fuel cell and reflow batteries -- suited for deployment in most wireless or mobile environments for voice and data, from 2G to WiMAX. In addition, Motorola is demonstrating for the first time the use of fuel cell to power a WiMAX base station. Operating on liquid fuel, it provides a dependable and compact solution with no requirements for onsite hydrogen storage that enables quicker and easier installation.

“Following the success of the solar and wind powered cell site trials conducted in the UK and in Namibia, Motorola continues to develop technology that elevates the growing need of operators for alternative power sources from a theoretical possibility to practical and commercially viable solutions,” said Fred Wright, senior vice president, Cellular Networks and WiMAX, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.

Wright added that there is a unique convergence of demand across developed and emerging markets for power solutions that are not attached to a main grid. “Whether it’s because of a shortage of generating capacity or a lack of power grid infrastructure, the ultimate needs are very similar. Motorola’s alternative power offerings serve the needs of all operators irrespective of the technology they are using,” he said.

“The collaboration with Motorola was a world first for us resulting in an innovation we are all proud of. We are enjoying the benefits of this solution and will be deploying more solar and wind powered base stations to many a rural setting to provide cost effective solutions to our rural areas,” said Albertus Aochamub, general manager: corporate affairs, MTC Namibia.

The storage of power is a critical enabler for future alternative power systems and a Flow Battery exhibit will show how conventional battery technology can be replaced by more cost effective technology with a low carbon footprint.

For deployments that need a further guarantee of availability of uninterrupted power, such as TETRA radio networks that are used in public safety environments, Motorola believes its fuel cell and reflow batteries can provide the answer. The Motorola exhibit is housed in a modified ISO container together with the base stations as an example of a rapid deployment self-contained cell-site for use in emergency aid and temporary situations. The technology used can easily be replicated almost anywhere in the world.