BARCELONA, SPAIN – The world's biggest mobile phone manufacturers and network operators have agreed to adopt a new universal standard of phone recharger in an effort to be more environmentally friendly.

Until now, most mobile phones have used proprietary chargers that will only work on one kind of device.

But the GSMA, the trade organisation that represents the mobile phone industry, has called on manufacturers to be more eco-conscious and adopt a single phone charger that will work with all handsets.

Most of the main manufacturers, including Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson, have signed up to the scheme, which will see the mini-USB plug adopted as the universal standard.

The new universal chargers will consume half as much energy when on standby as today's charging cables, said the GSMA, and will be supported by the majority of mobile phones by 2012.

"This is a broad agreement that will move the industry to a single, energy-efficient charger for all mobile phones," said Michael O'Hara, marketing director for the GSMA.

"By supporting this industry initiative on common charging solutions, and enabling consumers to choose if they need a charger with every new device or can re-use existing ones, we can contribute further in improving the industry's environmental footprint," said Mitti Storckovius, a senior director at Nokia.

Green technology has been one of the key themes at this year's Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. Several major manufacturers, including LG and Samsung, unveiled solar-powered mobile phones, while other companies have been keen to underline their commitment to the use of recyclable materials and sustainable production.

The announcement was welcomed by technology experts. "A universal charger is well overdue, especially one that is as energy-efficient as this," said Ernest Doku, an analyst with mobile phone comparison site Omio.com. "The announcement from the GSMA isn't just welcome from an environmental standpoint, but will bring immediate benefits to the consumer. Wherever you are, you'll be able to charge your phone and stay connected."

Copyright 2009 Telegraph Media Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved. From http://www.telegraph.co.uk. By Claudine Beaumont.
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