The European Standardisation Bodies CEN-CENELEC and ETSI have now made available the harmonised standards needed for the manufacture of data-enabled mobile phones compatible with a new common charger. This is the most recent development in the process towards a global common mobile phone charger for cell phones sold in the European Union.

As a result, world leading mobile phone producers committed themselves to ensure compatibility of smartphones, expected to be predominant in the market within two years, on the basis of the micro-USB connector. The agreement was established in June 2009 and signed by Apple, Emblaze Mobile, Huawei Technologies, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, Research In Motion (RIM), Samsung, Sony Ericsson, TCT Mobile (Alcate), Texas Instruments and Atmel.

"I am very happy that the European Standardisation Bodies have met our request to develop within a short space of time the technical standards necessary for a common mobile phone charger based on the work done by industry. Now it is time for industry to show its commitment to sell mobile phones for the new charger. The common charger will make life easier for consumers, reduce waste and benefit businesses. It is a true win-win situation,” said Antonio Tajani, a vice president of the European Commission responding for industry and entrepreneurship.

Incompatibility of chargers for mobile phones is not only a major inconvenience for users, but also a considerable environmental problem. Users who want to change their mobile phones must usually acquire a new charger and dispose of the old one, even if it is in good condition. The standards allow for interoperability of charger with smartphones of different brands. They also take account of safety risks and electro-magnetic emissions and ensure that common chargers have sufficient immunity to external interference.

Tags: Apple, Emblaze Mobile, Huawei Technologies, LG Electronics, Motora, NEC, Nokia, Qualcomm, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Alcatel, Texas Instruments, Atmel.