Venezuela Issues First Ecological Cell Phone

Mérida, July 31^st 2009 (Venezuelanalysis.com) - Movilnet, the cell phone division of Venezuela’s national telephone and communications company, CANTV, released the country’s first cell phone made from recycled plastic bottles and equipped with a solar energy charger.

The phone, model Moto W233 Eco, helps reduce energy consumption and prevent environmental damage caused by discarded phones, said Movilnet President Jacqueline Faria in a press conference on Thursday.

“This cell phone was manufactured with 20% less energy than any other,” said Faria. “As we use less energy coming from sockets, we will be able to free up energy for all the factories we are building.”

Faria said the new phone is part of Movilnet’s campaign called “Cellular Conscience,” which has the objective of “calling for the ecological, conscious, and rational use of this mobile communication device.”

Venezuela has a population of 27 million people and 28 million active cell phones, which creates great communicational opportunities but carries many safety risks, Faria pointed out. For instance, those who use cell phones while driving, even for as few as six seconds, have 23 times greater risk of crashing, she said.

More than 70% of Venezuela’s electricity is produced by hydroelectric dams, and natural gas also comprises a large share.

The government purchased a controlling 86% share of CANTV in 2007. The company had previously been controlled by several other multinational companies, including U.S.-based Verizon and Spain’s Telefonica.

Published on Aug 1st 2009 at 9.50am