EU, phone makers agree on single charger

Associated Press ,  Brussels   |  Mon, 06/29/2009 9:49 PM  |  World

No more asking around the office for the right sort of charger. At least that's what European Union and mobile phone officials are hoping.

Ten of the world's leading mobile phone makers announced Monday that they will introduce a universal charger for data-enabled handsets as of next year.

EU Indusry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said selling a single, standard charger will cut costs for manufacturers and reduce the number of chargers thrown away when consumers buy new phones.

Verheugen and industry representatives signed a voluntary accord that will ensure the introduction of the new charger sometie next year.

"I am very pleased that industry has found an agreement, which will make life much simpler for consumers," Verheugen told reporters. "They will be able to charge mobile phones anywhere from the new common charger."

Under the accord, the companies, including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Appl, Motorola, Research in Motion and Samsung, committed to developing the universal charger which will work for data-enabled cell phones that support USB data exchange.

Verheugen said Monday's agreement will cover 90 percent of the handset market in Europe, but he also wants to see the common charger expand n the years ahead to cover other phones, existing phones, cameras and laptops.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.