Last year the European Commission encouraged mobile manufacturers to agree on a universal charger for mobile phones. The move - which was supported by the GSMA, the ITU, the CTIA and a number of manufacturers - saw the micro-USB format chosen. The first compatible devices are now expected in Europe early next year. This ‘universal’ option won’t be available with every device but will be standard on all new mobiles that are fitted with a mini-USB socket for data transfer to a PC.
The EU has produced a short documentary film – with contributions from Nokia’s Peter Harrison and Emilien Gasc from standardisation watchdog ANEC – giving its perspective on how the scheme will work and the benefits it could bring. It’s currently estimated that 51,000 tonnes of redundant chargers are generated each year.
[Video © European Union, 2010]