Venezuela Issues First Ecological Cell Phone

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.
Movilnet President Jacqueline Faria presents the phone to the press on Thursday (ABN)




Mérida, July 31st 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.