MUMBAI, INDIA: Telecom major Vodafone Essar announced the launch of its latest generation eco-friendly solar charging handset in India. The new handset uses a solar powered solution to benefit users in areas with adequate sunlight.

According to a release, with an extended solar powered battery, the solar powered phone addresses the problem of unstable electricity supply in many rural areas. VF 247 solar powered phone charges by itself, by exposure to ambient light. Sun Boost, the special in-built hardware and software ensures that the phone charges also in a room, under normal daylight.

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"Vodafone's solar powered phone is launched for people residing in areas where electric supply is unstable, so that consumers can rely on solar charging to remain connected. This launch is likely to enable more people in rural India to go mobile and thus increase penetration from the current 20 per cent. We will continue to invest to uplift the quality of telecom services and products in India," said Marten Pieters, managing director and CEO, Vodafone Essar Ltd.

Vodafone's rural network coverage of 65 per cent is the second highest in India. The launch of VF 247 solar powered phone is in keeping with Vodafone's aim to increase mobile technology accessibility for millions in India, the release added.

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