Harness the power of the sun

In a bid to use South Africa’s abundant sunshine more effectively and reduce reliance on mains electricity, Vodacom has launched the VF 247 low-cost solar powered cellphone.

Developed by Vodafone, this device has the unique ability to charge on the go and makes it possible for people to benefit from mobile communications even in areas where electricity is scarce.

The VF 247 is designed with an integrated solar panel, saving users both time and money.  The special built-in Sun Boost software ensures that the phone charges even when it’s not in direct sunlight. Charging the phone in sunlight for an hour or two every day should be enough to cover the power needs for average users, but if the battery runs low the phone can be topped up with a traditional mains power charger.

“Cellphones are the primary means of communication for millions of South Africans and thanks to our association with Vodafone we’re able to supply this new solar powered handset which makes it as easy and practical as possible for people to connect.  In many communities, electricity supplies are intermittent or non-existent, but with this new handset people won’t have to worry about when they are next going to be able to charge the battery.  It’s so simple and obvious, but the combination of solar power and a low-cost handset will hopefully make a big difference,” said Shameel Joosub, Managing Director of Vodacom South Africa.

The handset has been fitted with a high-temperature battery that can safely withstand increased operational temperatures. To prevent it from failure, an additional temperature protection is also embedded which will switch off any charging should the battery exceed the safe temperature.

The VF 247 is an easy to use device that has all basic voice and text features along with FM radio, torch and a colour display and can be purchased from your nearest Vodacom retail outlet for less than R300.

For more information, customers should contact Vodacom’s Customer Centre on 111, free from a Vodacom cellphone, or by dialing 082 111 from any other phone (standard rates apply).  Customers can also send an email to customercare@vodacom.co.za