Universal phone charger deal done

The world’s leading mobile phone manufacturers have agreed a deal to create a universal charger.

Most manufacturers now produce chargers that only work with their own brand handsets.

From 2010, in EU countries, a universal charger fitted with a micro USB port will be available. The device will consume 50 per cent less stand-by energy than today’s models.

Major manufacturers signing up to the deal include; Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Apple, Motorola, Qualcom, Samsung and Texas Instruments.

Mobile phone makers have been under pressure from the European Commission to produce a standardised charger.

The EU industry commissioner Gunter Verheugen says as trhere are currently more than 30 different kinds of charger in use across the EU, the new charger will eliminate several thousand tonnes of waste each year.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Energy, EU Commission, Telecommunication