Israeli technology that can cut cell tower energy consumption by almost a quarter over three months has gone into operation in Jamaica.
The pan-Caribbean mobile operator Digicel is the first customer for the Tel Aviv-based startup and its eVolution Networks Smart Energy Solution, the company has announced.
The carrier has been testing the technology on its Jamaica network where there has been an estimated 23% cut in energy consumption over three months.
The technology works by enabling cellphone towers to be powered down when they are not in use, reports GigaOM.
It sounds like a simple idea, but it's not an easy one to implement. Mobile networks are designed to deliver their full capacity at a moment's notice in order to handle the unpredictable patterns of the cellphone-wielding public. Consequently most base stations remain at full power whether it's rush hour or the wee hours of the morning.
eVolution's technology constantly monitors, analyzing its radio coverage characteristics as well as daily traffic patterns. Based on that information it decides which base stations in which places can safely be powered down at night or during other off-peak hours without sacrificing coverage. As traffic patterns change, SES changes the mix of cells staying online and off.
Newer base stations have lower wattage and built-in systems that allow them to be powered down at time when traffic is low. But, eVolution's automated software is designed, the company says, to fit seamlessly into existing networks without the need for new hardware.