November 19, 2012 – Nokia Siemens Networks is working with Ballard Power Systems Inc. to develop mobile networks that can continue to operate during power blackouts. Backup power solutions based on fuel cell technology deliver a number of advantages over conventional batteries and diesel generators, boast Ballard and Nokia, including higher reliability across a range of operating conditions, lower maintenance costs, longer operating life as well as reduced size, weight, installation footprint, noise signature and environmental impact. The fuel cell weight and size are significantly less in comparison to existing lead acid batteries that are typically used in many base stations to provide backup power for extended outages, they add. The base station and fuel cell combination developed by Nokia Siemens Networks with Ballard can provide 4.5 kW of power for about 40 hours on a single tank of fuel.