“Our extensive knowledge and expertise with Hard Disk Drives and end-to-end after-market services will primarily support Toshiba to maximize the turns of their inventory while maximizing the economic value of the product through its lifecycle. We are confident this will positively impact their profitability and also create green environmental benefits,” commented Teleplan’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Patrick Ring.

The service solution encompasses testing, screening, field and depot repair, data analysis and business intelligence as well as asset recovery including recycle, liquidation and secure data destruction services.

SAN DIEGO, APRIL 17, 2013 - ecoATM, the company that allows consumers to recycle used mobile phones, tablets, and MP3 players for immediate cash, announced today that it has recycled more than one-million devices. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling one million devices has the environmental impact of removing 1,981 average US houses off the grid for a year in terms of energy saved, and 152 cars off the road for a year in terms of greenhouse gases saved. ecoATM has had a tremendous positive impact on the environment since its inception in 2008.

“By 2020, there will be so many old, unused or broken electronics, they could fill enough dump trucks to circle the globe twice,” said Tom Tullie, Chairman and CEO of ecoATM. “Hitting the one million mark is encouraging. People are recognizing that eWaste is a real problem and that there are convenient solutions for responsibly disposing of unwanted electronics.”

With mobile phone and electronic technologies changing at rapid rates each year and the average lifespan of a phone being only 18 months, it is becoming increasingly important to properly dispose of these devices. ecoATM finds a second life for 60 percent of the electronics collected and responsibly recycles the rest. Since being founded, ecoATM has saved landfills from more than one million potentially toxic devices.

The annual environmental impact of a single ecoATM kiosk as determined by the EPA calculator can be measured by:

• 25,681 tons of toxic mining waste averted
• 4,309 kilos of Greenhouse Gases saved
• 426 gallons of oil saved
• 212 brick-size units of hazardous waste averted from landfills
• 21 houses removed from the grid
• 3 cars removed from the road

ecoATM is an R2 certified eWaste recycler and is ISO14001 compliant.

With more than 400 kiosks across the country, ecoATM plans to continue expansion across the United States. The automated ecoATMs accept cell phones, MP3 players and tablets in any condition; often, in conditions that other electronic recyclers will not take. For more information and to find an ecoATM location, visit http://www.ecoATM.com.

Contact: Lizzie Younkin i.d.e.a., (619) 295-8232 x122

Costa Mesa, Calif. — April 8, 2013 — The Device Renewal Forum (DRF) today announced that T-Mobile USA has joined the organization, which has created a global, industry-standard framework for refurbished mobile devices. The DRF’s goal is to provide the best practices, auditing safeguards and certification marks necessary to increase global refurbishment rates far beyond the current 10 percent.

T-Mobile USA, Blancco, ecoATM, ERS International and FutureDial are among the companies that have joined the DRF this year. The DRF’s other major Q1 milestone includes publishing ‘DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria,’ a global standard for renewing and accepting smartphones, feature phones and tablets.

“With more than 33 million customers, T-Mobile USA will play an important role in educating U.S. mobile users about the environmental and economic benefits of device renewal,” said Perry LaForge, DRF chairman. “We look forward to working with T-Mobile USA’s leadership to preserve the environment and double the market for renewed mobile devices over the next five years.”

“Since 2011, T-Mobile USA’s handset recycling program  has diverted millions of phones from landfills and junk drawers,” said Dennis Pettit, Director of Reverse Logistics for T-Mobile USA. “By joining the DRF, we’re taking this commitment to the next level and expanding access to high-quality renewed devices in the U.S. and abroad.”

About DRF

Device Renewal Forum (DRF) is a trade association formed to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a global and technology-agnostic “gold standard” for renewing, testing and certifying refurbished wireless devices. The DRF’s goal is to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace. By using industry best practices to renew, test and certify refurbished wireless devices, the demand for affordable phones can be fulfilled, while preserving consumer expectations, wireless network integrity and the environment. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers, distributors, device manufacturers, resellers, recyclers and reverse logistics companies. For information about the DRF, visit www.DeviceRenewalForum.org.

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Barcelona, Spain – Mobile World Congress — Feb. 25, 2013 — The Device Renewal Forum (DRF) today announced the publication of a global standard for renewing and accepting smartphones, feature phones and tablets that have been refurbished. Known as the ‘DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria,’ this technology-agnostic standard is the basis for certifying that renewed mobile devices meet the DRF’s high-standard for product quality, appearance, performance and integrity.  Once buyers and consumers associate product integrity, quality and value with the DRF Certification Mark, the market for renewed devices is expected to grow substantially.  The DRF’s goal is to preserve the environment and double the market for renewed mobile devices within the next five years.

The DRF’s certification program establishes the mobile industry’s highest standard for renewing, inspecting and testing the proper operation, performance and appearance of renewed wireless devices. The DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria describe all of the requirements for a device to receive a DRF Certificate of Acceptance and bear the DRF Certification Mark on its packaging.

The DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria provide:

• The industry’s most comprehensive and detailed standard for renewing and certifying smartphones, feature phones and tablets.
• A requirements document for certifying renewal facilities, which must meet health, safety, environmental, certification process and QA standards. Downstream vendors or subcontractors also must comply with the program requirements.
• A requirements document for certifying renewed devices, including a zero-tolerance policy for verifying that devices haven’t been stolen and that they are completely sanitized.
• A document that defines receipt processing, data sanitization, triage, a 100-point inspection checklist, testing, QA, kitting, packaging, storing and shipment.

“The DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria enable us to guarantee product quality, security and peace of mind,” said Perry LaForge, DRF chairman. “This industry-framework is a milestone toward reforming a system that relegates up to 99 percent of all mobile devices to landfills, junk boxes, closets and desk drawers.”

For more information about the DRF Device Renewal and Acceptance Criteria, visit www.devicerenewalforum.org, email info@devicerenewalforum.org or call +1 (714) 708-1351.

About DRF

Device Renewal Forum (DRF) is a trade association formed to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a global and technology-agnostic “gold standard” for renewing, testing and certifying refurbished wireless devices. The DRF’s goal is to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace. By using industry best practices to renew, test and certify refurbished wireless devices, the demand for affordable phones can be fulfilled, while preserving consumer expectations, wireless network integrity and the environment. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers, distributors, device manufacturers, resellers, recyclers and reverse logistics companies. For information about the DRF, visit www.DeviceRenewalForum.org.

# # #

*Editor’s Note:  Member attributions following on remaining pages 

Media Contact:
Valerie Christopherson
Lora Friedrichsen
Global Results Comms (GRC)
+1 949 608 0276
drf@globalresultspr.com

COSTA MESA, CALIF. — July 23, 2012 — Teleplan International and Nexlink Communications today became the newest founding members of the Device Renewal Forum (DRF), which is creating a global, industry-standard framework for refurbished mobile devices. The DRF’s goal is to provide the best practices, auditing safeguards and certification marks necessary to grow the market for renewed devices.

More than 1.68 billion smartphones, feature phones, tablets, modems and other wireless devices are produced each year, but less than 1 percent are refurbished annually, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That means 99 percent of all mobile devices eventually wind up in landfills, junk boxes and desk drawers.

The DRF will enable a significantly higher renewal rate by creating a certification program whose logo assures consumers and business users that a renewed device has the latest software and firmware and passed a rigorous set of quality checks. The DRF also will develop standards to identify stolen devices and ensure that renewed devices have been wiped clean of the previous owner’s private information and content.

Teleplan and Nexlink enable that mission by providing expertise in specialties such as returns management, logistic, customer care, remanufacturing, distribution and recycling. Both companies also have extensive relationships with agents, vendors and operators in many of the world’s largest mobile markets: Nexlink in North America and Teleplan in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.

With the addition of Nexlink and Teleplan, the DRF now has nine founding and sponsor members: Brightstar, CDG, eRecycling Corps, ModusLink Global Solutions, ReCellular, Sprint and ValuTech Outsourcing.

“Teleplan is among the pioneers in the information technology (IT) industry that offer after-market services (incl. repair and reverse logistics) that are more efficient, quicker and cost-effective than what OEMs can do themselves,” said CEO and president of Teleplan, Gotthard Haug. “We view the DRF as an ideal way to grow the market for renewed devices by addressing end user, operator and vendors concerns such as quality, privacy, security, theft and the environment.”

“As a result of the amazing popularity of high-end remanufactured wireless devices our customers’ quality expectation are higher than ever,” said Jeff Messano, president of Nexlink Communications.  “We are extremely pleased to be a member of DRF and are encouraged by their mission to establish a gold standard for refurbished wireless devices so we can continue to exceed our customers’ quality expectations.”

“Teleplan and Nexlink are pioneers and leaders in refurbishment, making them ideal DRF partners,” said Perry LaForge, DRF chairman. “Their expertise and relationships with premium agents and other ecosystem members will be vital for making renewed devices a viable option for every consumer and business user. Teleplan also will play an important role in the DRF’s further expansion into the European market.”

The Device Renewal Forum is open to companies and organizations worldwide that want to make a positive and significant impact on the environment and future of the wireless industry. DRF anticipates support from wireless service providers, device OEMs, collectors, distributors, trade-in resellers, retailers and government agencies that share common goals on device recycling. For more information, visit www.devicerenewalforum.org, email info@devicerenewalforum.org or call +1 (714) 708-1351.

About Teleplan International 

A leading global provider of integrated end-to-end after-market service solutions  ranging from Returns Management & Prevention, Repair & Refurbishment to Recovery & Recycling at the end of a product lifecycle. The service solutions cover the world of Computers, Communications and Consumer Electronics (3Cs).  Teleplan is a private company, headquartered in Amsterdam/Schiphol, the Netherlands, and currently operates from 24 sites in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia with approximately 5,300 employees.

About Nexlink Communications
A leading remanufacturer and distributor of premium quality wireless devices to carriers, mvnos, insurance providers, agent/dealers and retailers. Our certified, U.S-based remanufacturing processes and industry-best warranty rates have made us the preferred choice of leading North American operators & retailers.  Nexlink phones are fully remanufactured using new or high quality, refinished components and subjected to comprehensive functional and quality testing.

# # #

NEW ORLEANS, USA — May 9, 2012 — The Device Renewal Forum (DRF) today announced during the International CTIA Wireless^® 2012 conference a new Certification Mark to identify renewed devices that comply with its stringent standards and acceptance criteria.

The DRF was created to expand the use of renewed devices by building awareness and establishing a technology-agnostic “gold standard” for refurbishing, testing and certifying renewed devices on a global basis. Wireless devices that meet the rigorous refurbishment, inspection and testing requirements established by the DRF to ensure their proper function, performance and appearance will receive a Certificate of Acceptance and may bear the Certification Mark on their packaging. This designation indicates to regulators, operators, distributors, resellers, retailers and consumers that user expectations will be met and the device will not disrupt, degrade or harm wireless network performance (e.g., reduce capacity, preclude roaming, etc.).

For operators, offering certified renewed devices will help further penetrate their markets, build customer loyalty and improve margins. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), it will protect their brand image. For consumers, it guarantees value and satisfaction. For the environment, it reduces toxic waste and preserves national resources.

“Our goal is to facilitate the growth of the wireless devices renewal market,” commented Perry LaForge, chairman of DRF. “By offering a well-recognized certification mark and brand, the DRF will make it easy for consumers and operators to identify quality and protect their monetary investment whenever selecting renewed devices.”

Mike Cost, senior vice president of Brightstar, “We applaud the DRF for spearheading this important initiative that will further drive stringent global standards for device renewal. We fully support DRF in its efforts, and know that it will create an important differentiator for renewed devices that will in turn be a critical benefit for consumers.”

“This certification mark is a critical step towards building a vibrant market for renewed devices,” said David Edmondson, CEO of eRecyclingCorps . “Much like a certified pre-owned sticker in the used car industry, this branding will instill confidence in consumers while driving new revenue streams for operators and extending the lifecycle of mobile devices.”

“As a returns management, repair and value recovery partner to the mobile communications industry, ModusLink understands first-hand the value this certification mark will bring to the renewed device market,” said Scott Crawley, president, Integrated Services for ModusLink Global Solutions. “We are proud to be working alongside the other DRF members on this important initiative.”

The certification mark will be made available only to those DRF members whose refurbishment, inspection and testing processes meet the quality standards established by the DRF Technical Specification subcommittee. The subcommittee is currently working on test criteria and process standards for certification.

The Device Renewal Forum was formed and formally announced in February 2012 by Sprint, Brightstar, eRecyclingCorps, ModusLink Global Solutions and the CDG to facilitate the renewal of wireless devices around the world.

The DRF is open to companies and organizations worldwide that want to make a positive and significant impact on the environment and the future of the wireless industry.

For more information about the Device Renewal Forum (DRF), call +1 (714) 708-1355, email info@devicerenewalforum.org, or visit www.devicerenewalforum.org.

About DRF
Device Renewal Forum (DRF) is a trade association formed to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a global and technology-agnostic “gold standard” for renewing, testing and certifying refurbished wireless devices. The DRF’s goal is to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace. By using industry best practices to renew, test and certify refurbished wireless devices, the demand for affordable phones can be fulfilled, while preserving consumer expectations, wireless network integrity and the environment. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers, distributors, device manufacturers, resellers, recyclers and reverse logistics companies.  For information about the DRF, visit www.DeviceRenewalForum.org.

# # #

NEW ORLEANS, USA — May 9, 2012 — The Device Renewal Forum (DRF) today announced that it will address the issue of wireless device theft as it relates to the device renewal marketplace. Specifically, the group will take steps to prevent stolen smartphones from entering the device renewal supply chain and be sold into other markets. DRF will leverage many of the wireless industry’s anti-theft efforts in its certification process to prohibit phones identified as stolen from being certified.

Law enforcement entities have reported an increase in crimes involving theft of wireless devices, especially smartphones, in the United States. The high resale-value of these devices make them a target for thieves, and the personal information stored in them creates an easy target for identity theft. Up to 30-40% of all robberies in major cities across the United States are related to cell phone theft. DRF’s unique position in the renewed device supply chains will enable it to create a consistent industry approach to help curb these crimes by reducing the street value of stolen phones and preventing them from reentering the marketplace.

“We applaud DRF for taking on this complex issue and look forward to working with the industry on this important matter,” remarked Mike Cost, senior vice president, Brightstar and founding member of the DRF.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on April 10, 2012, the PROTECTS Initiative to combat theft of wireless devices. The PROTECTS Initiative is voluntary, and has the support of major city police departments and the wireless industry.

As the FCC and CTIA announced broad goals to help curb the use of stolen phones, FCC Chairman, Julius Genachowski said, “We have called on all countries to adopt the database and other solutions we’re announcing today, and I am making it a priority of the FCC’s international Bureau to work with other countries to advance this initiative.”

“DRF applauds the recent FCC mandates, and we recognize that wireless device theft has now become a global issue,” said Perry LaForge, chairman of the DRF. “We are seeing increasing evidence of devices being stolen in one market, sold to refurbishers, and then sold again into other markets. DRF’s certification process, combined with industry approaches such as the PROTECTS Initiative, will assist in preventing this from happening.”

“Consumer confidence is essential to create a thriving market for affordable and high-quality renewed technology,” said David Edmonson, CEO of eRecyclingCorps and founding member of the DRF. “These safeguards mark an important step in protecting consumers and carriers from accidental involvement in criminal activity and building trust in renewed devices, while reducing the incentive for device theft and making our cities safer.”

Wireless devices that meet the rigorous refurbishment, inspection and testing requirements established by the DRF will receive a Certificate of Acceptance and may bear the Certification Mark on their packaging. This designation certifies that the previous owner’s private data has been wiped from the device, that it meets the requisite device function, performance and appearance standards, and will not disrupt, degrade or harm wireless network performance (e.g., reduce capacity, preclude roaming, etc.).

The DRF was formed and formally announced in February 2012 by Sprint, Brightstar, eRecyclingCorps, Moduslink and CDG to facilitate the renewal of wireless devices around the world.

The Device Renewal Forum is open to companies and organizations worldwide that want to make a positive and significant impact on the environment and the future of the wireless industry.

For more information about the Device Renewal Forum (DRF), call +1 (714) 708-1355, email info@devicerenewalforum.org, or visit www.devicerenewalforum.org.

About DRF
Device Renewal Forum (DRF) is a trade association formed to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a global and technology-agnostic “gold standard” for renewing, testing and certifying refurbished wireless devices. The DRF’s goal is to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace. By using industry best practices to renew, test and certify refurbished wireless devices, the demand for affordable phones can be fulfilled, while preserving consumer expectations, wireless network integrity and the environment. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers, distributors, device manufacturers, resellers, recyclers and reverse logistics companies.  For information about the DRF, visit www.DeviceRenewalForum.org.

# # #

NEW ORLEANS, USA — May 8, 2012 — The Device Renewal Forum (DRF) today announced that ReCellular, Inc. and Valutech Outsourcing, LLC have joined the Device Renewal Forum’s (DRF) executive board. Together with founding members Brightstar, eRecyclingCorps, ModusLink Global Solutions, Sprint Nextel and the CDG, they will collaborate with the DRF to create a technology-agnostic “gold standard” for refurbishing, testing and certifying renewed devices.

Since the DRF was formally announced during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in February 2012, the forum has witnessed substantial interest from the wireless, environmental and reverse logistics industries. The goal of the forum is to develop and promote a common and globally accepted certification process for renewed wireless devices. The forum will use existing standards and “best practices” to ensure data security and privacy is not compromised, and that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace.

The forum’s technical committee has begun drafting its program plan, technical plan, process guide and standards of grading, while the advocacy committee has established the forum’s brand and certification mark. The organization has received increasing interest and support for their renewed device certification process.

“Over the past twenty years, we have become an industry leader in recycling, refurbishing and reselling of cell phones,” remarked Steve Manning, chairman, president and CEO of ReCellular. “We were excited to learn about the Device Renewal Forum and immediately pursued the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the DRF.  We look forward to helping create a ‘gold standard’ for renewed devices that will further improve product quality and customer satisfaction, while minimizing toxic waste.”

“As a leading remanufacturer and reverse logistics provider of wireless devices, we were eager to become a member of the Device Renewal Forum’s executive board,” stated Michael Narlinger, president and CEO of Valutech Outsourcing. “We consider the Device Renewal Forum’s goal of achieving a globally accepted standard for renewed wireless devices an important endeavor to encourage the increased use of these products.”

“We look forward to the valuable contributions that ReCellular and Valutech Outsourcing will bring to the forum,” said Chad Lander, director of product quality and reverse logistics at Sprint Nextel.  “Their knowledge, experience and extended customer base will ensure that we develop the best and most economical approach to certifying renewed devices.”

“We are pleased to see growth in the membership of the DRF and look forward to the contributions of these new members in establishing a uniform standard for device renewal which consumers and carriers can trust”, said David Edmondson, CEO, eRecyclingCorps.  “The expanding participation and interest in the DRF is reflective of the market demand for renewed technology across the wireless industry today.”

“It’s exciting to see the enthusiastic response that we are receiving from a wide variety of companies interested in becoming members of the DRF,” said Perry LaForge, chairman of the DRF.  “We look forward to working with the founders and new members to drive this emerging market segment.”

The forum is open to companies and organizations worldwide that want to make a positive and significant impact on the environment and the future of the wireless industry.

For more information about the Device Renewal Forum (DRF), call +1 (714) 708-1355, email info@devicerenewalforum.org, or visit www.devicerenewalforum.org.

About ReCellular
With offices in the United States and Hong Kong, ReCellular Inc. is the world’s leading electronics-sustainability firm. It provides solutions for the collection, reuse and recycling of used personal electronics that generate financial return for its partners, quality products for its customers, funding for charity organizations and protection of the environment. Corporate, charitable, consumer and wholesale information is available at www.ReCellular.com.

About Valutech Outsourcing
Valutech Outsourcing, LLC is a leading repair, remanufacturer, and reverse logistics provider of consumer electronic products.  Its suite of offerings includes: comprehensive triage, warranty adjudication, repair and refurbishment for both warrantable and non-warrantable devices, cosmetic and functional component reclamation, battery testing, de-kitting, kitting, end user fulfillment and receiving, bulk shipping and receiving, warehousing, and scrap liquidation.  In addition, Valutech IT solutions offer customers real-time data and asset tracking, customized reporting, and web and application development.  The company is based in Aliso Viejo, California. For more information about Valutech Outsourcing, visit www.valuout.com.

About DRF
Device Renewal Forum (DRF) is a trade association formed to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a global and technology-agnostic “gold standard” for renewing, testing and certifying refurbished wireless devices. The DRF’s goal is to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace. By using industry best practices to renew, test and certify refurbished wireless devices, the demand for affordable phones can be fulfilled, while preserving consumer expectations, wireless network integrity and the environment. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers, distributors, device manufacturers, resellers, recyclers and reverse logistics companies.  For information about the DRF, visit www.DeviceRenewalForum.org.

# # #

(English)

BARCELONA, ESPAŇA — 28 de febrero de 2012 — Sprint Nextel, Brightstar Corp., eRecyclingCorps, Modus Link Global Solutions y el CDMA Development Group (CDG) anunció hoy la creación del Device Renewal Forum (DRF).  El objetivó de la DRF es expandir el crecimiento del mercado para los dispositivos inalámbricos que son renovados mediante el establecimiento de una certificación común para los teléfonos móviles restaurados. El grupo trabajara en todas las tecnologías inalámbricas, incluyendo pero no limitado a GSM, CDMA2000, EV-DO, HSPA y LTE.

Las telecomunicaciones móviles se ha convertido en la industria de consume más grande del mundo.  Más de 1.68 billones de dispositivos inalámbricos son producidos cada año, sin embargo, menos del 1 por ciento de estos aparatos son reciclados y aún menos se renuevan según ha informado el Servicio Geológico de EE.UU. (USGS).

La DRF proporciona un foro global para abordar las cuestiones relacionadas con la renovación de los dispositivos inalámbricos.  Sus subcomités establecerá un “patron oro,” que será tecnología agnóstica, para probar y certificar los dispositivos renovados.  Esta iniciativa utilizará el mundo’ s “mejores prácticas” para prolongar la vida útil de los teléfonos celulares que ya están en el mercado y mitigar impactos al ambiente.  El proceso de certificación del DRF también ayudará a asegurarse de que solamente dispositivos de alta calidad que funcionan correctamente se volverá a entrar en el mercado.

Con la renovación y la recertificación de los dispositivos inalámbricos, la demanda de equipos a precios accesibles se puede cumplir, al mismo tiempo preservando el medio ambiente, conservando materiales, reduciendo contaminación y eliminando residuos.  Creación de un proceso que certifica los dispositivos renovados es de vital importancia para asegurar que estos dispositivos no perturban, degradan o dañan el funcionamiento de las redes inalámbricas (por ejemplo, reducir la capacidad, excluir la itinerancia, etc.)

“La recogida y la renovación de los dispositivos inalámbricos es una gran parte de nuestro compromiso más amplio de sostenibilidad,” declaró Fared Adib, vicepresidente de productos para Sprint Nextel.  “Consideramos que el proceso de certificación de DRF a ser un elemento clave para ampliar el uso de dispositivos inalámbricos reciclados en todo el mundo proporcionando a los consumidores una calidad incomparable, mientras que al mismo tiempo, protegiendo la operación de las redes inalámbricas.”

“El mercado de dispositivos renovados es una creciendo y oportunidad emocionante para Brightstar.  El proceso de certificación, según lo propuesto por la DRF, ayudará a fortalecer nuestra capacidad para ofrecer valor a nuestros clientes y hacer crecer este mercado en todo el mundo,” comentó Marcelo Claure, presidente y CEO de Brightstar Corp.  “Estamos muy contentos de comenzar a trabajar con el DRF a establecer un marco de clase mundial para la certificación y la reutilización de dispositivos inalámbricos en todo el mundo.”

“La plataforma de grado-carrier de eRecyclingCorps’ (eRC) ofrece, al instante, crédito en la tienda para dispositivos usados y está estableciendo “trade-in” (devolviendo un artículo usado para comprar uno nuevo) como la nueva norma para compras de dispositivos inalámbricos,” dijo David Edmondson, CEO de eRC.   “Debido a la volumen significante de los dispositivos que ahora estamos recogiendo,  tenemos un interés personal en definir las reglas básicas para una nueva categoría de dispositivos “renovadas.”

“Con el ciclo de vida de los teléfonos móviles disminuyendo, compañías están buscando maneras de reintroducir teléfonos en el mercado a precios accesibles y minimizar el impacto ambiental de tecnología vieja,” dijo Scott Crawley, presidente de servicios integrados para ModusLink.  “ModusLink ha desarrollado una solución integrada, nivel grado-carrier, para procesar dispositivos devueltos, borrar datos para asegurar la privacidad, y  correctamente desechar y reciclar los dispositivos que no vale ser reparados.  Esperamos aprovechar esa experiencia para apoyar los objetivos de la DRF y ayudar crear un estándar de oro para la renovación de productos que garantice la calidad y el rendimiento de los productos restaurados.”

Veterano de la industria y fundador de la CDG, Perry LaForge se desempeñará como presidente ejecutivo de la DRF.  LaForge señalo, “Estoy muy contento de ayudar esta noble causa.  Está claro que el DRF proporcionará un papel fundamental en la facilitación de la renovación de dispositivos en todo el mundo y, en consecuencia, tener un impacto significativo en la preservación de nuestro ambiente.”

El Foro (Device Renewal Forum) está abierto a empresas y organizaciones en todo el mundo que quieren tener un impacto positive y significativo sobre el medio ambiente y el futuro de la industria inalámbrica.  DRF anticipa el apoyo de los proveedores de servicios inalámbricos, fabricantes de dispositivos, coleccionistas, distribuidores, revendedores, minoristas y agencias gubernamentales que comparten objetivos comunes en materia de reciclaje de los dispositivos.

Para obtener más información sobre el Device Renewal Forum (DRF) visita www.devicerenewalforum.org, o mande un correo a info@devicerenewalforum.org o llame al +1 (714) 708-1351.

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(Espanol)

BARCELONA, SPAIN — Feb.  28, 2012 — Sprint Nextel, Brightstar Corp., eRecyclingCorps, ModusLink Global Solutions and the CDMA Development Group (CDG) today announced the creation of the Device Renewal Forum (DRF).  The goal of the DRF is to expand the growth of the renewed wireless devices market by establishing a common certification for refurbished wireless phones. The group will work across all the wireless interface technologies including but not limited to GSM, CDMA2000, EV-DO, HSPA and LTE.

Mobile telecommunications has become the largest consumer industry in the world.  More than 1.68 billion wireless devices are produced each year, yet less than 1 percent of these devices are recycled and even fewer are renewed as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The DRF will provide a global forum to address issues related to renewing wireless devices.  Its subcommittees will establish a technology-agnostic “gold standard” for testing and certifying renewed devices.  This initiative will use the world’s “best practices” to extend the lifecycle of wireless phones already in market and mitigate impacts to the environment. The DRF certification process will also help to ensure that only high-quality and properly functioning devices reenter the marketplace.

By renewing and certifying refurbished wireless devices the demand for affordable phones in markets can be fulfilled, while preserving the environment, conserving materials, minimizing pollution and eliminating waste.  A best practices certification process for renewed devices is vitally important to ensure that these devices won’t disrupt, degrade or harm the performance of wireless networks (e.g., reducing capacity, precluding roaming, etc.).

“Collecting and renewing wireless devices are a big part of our broader sustainability commitment,” stated Fared Adib, Vice President of Product at Sprint Nextel.  “We consider the DRF’s certification process to be a key element to expand the use of renewed wireless devices across the globe by providing consumers unparalleled quality, while at the same time, protecting the operation of wireless networks.”

“The renewed devices market is a growing and exciting opportunity for Brightstar.  The certification process, as proposed by DRF, will help strengthen our ability to provide value to our customers and grow this market worldwide,” remarked Marcelo Claure, chairman and CEO of Brightstar Corp.  “We are excited to begin working with the DRF to establish a world class framework for the certification and reuse of wireless devices around the globe.”

“eRecyclingCorps’ (eRC) carrier-grade platform offers instant, in-store credit for used devices and is establishing trade-in as the new norm for wireless device purchases,” said David Edmondson, CEO of eRC.   “Due to the significant volume of devices we are now collecting, we have a vested interest in defining the ground rules for a new category of ‘renewed’ devices.  As a founding member of DRF, we are creating the standards that will give operators and consumers alike, confidence in purchasing these renewed devices.”

“With the lifecycle of wireless phones diminishing, companies are looking for ways to re-introduce affordable phones to market and minimize the environmental impact of old technology,” said Scott Crawley, President, Integrated Services for ModusLink.  “ModusLink has developed a carrier-grade, integrated solution for processing returned handsets, data wiping to ensure privacy and proper disposal and recycling of devices beyond economic repair.  We look forward to leveraging that expertise to support the goals of the DRF and helping to create a certified gold standard for product renewal that will ensure the quality and performance of refurbished goods.”

Industry veteran and CDG founder, Perry LaForge will serve as executive chairman of DRF.  LaForge noted, “I am pleased to help this worthwhile cause.  It’s clear the DRF will provide a vital role in facilitating the renewal of devices around the world and, as a result, make a significant impact on preserving our environment.”

The Device Renewal Forum is open to companies and organizations worldwide that want to make a positive and significant impact on the environment and future of the wireless industry.  DRF anticipates support from wireless service providers, device OEMs, collectors, distributors, trade-in resellers, retailers and government agencies that share common goals on device recycling.

For more information about the Device Renewal Forum (DRF) visit www.devicerenewalforum.org, email info@devicerenewalforum.org or call +1 (714) 708-1351.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint. To learn more about Sprint programs that protect the environment, go to www.sprint.com/responsibility or follow @SprintGreenNews on Twitter.

About Brightstar Corp.
Brightstar is the world’s largest specialized wireless distributor and a leading provider of diversified services focused on enhancing the performance and profitability of the key participants in the wireless device value chain. The company supports over 80,000 points of sale worldwide with operations in 51 countries and territories and provides a comprehensive range of more than 100 customized services for value-added distribution, supply chain optimization, retail, government and value-added resellers (VARs), and consumer services. Brightstar’s services help customers manage the growing complexity of the wireless device value chain and enable them to increase product availability, expand their channel reach and drive supply chain efficiencies by getting the right products to the right place at the right time for the best value.

About eRecyclingCorps
eRecyclingCorps (eRC) is the world’s leading provider of carrier-grade wireless device trade-in solutions. Founded in 2009 to provide a scalable model to repurpose and reuse perceptually obsolete devices, eRC partners with global wireless carriers and retailers to provide instant, in-store trade-in credit. eRC renews devices to stringent certification standards and sells them to consumers in developing countries at an affordable price thereby bridging the digital divide.  eRC will complete more than five million wireless trades worldwide in 2012. For more information, please visit erecyclingcorps.com.

About ModusLink Global Solutions
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. designs and executes global value chain strategies to solve clients’ cost, time-to-market, customer satisfaction and revenue objectives. Our supply chain, aftermarket, e-Business and entitlement management solutions support the end-to-end product lifecycles of the world’s leading technology and consumer goods companies. ModusLink has more than 25 years of experience executing complex supply chain processes such as sourcing, configuration and fulfillment. We can manage these critical functions seamlessly with a client’s global e-Business initiative or an integrated aftermarket program, including alternative channel recovery for at-risk inventory. Backed by a footprint of more than 25 solution centers in 15 countries, ModusLink clients can react quickly to shifting market dynamics impacting value chain performance and revenues. For more information about ModusLink’s flexible, scalable and sustainable solutions, visit www.moduslink.com or www.valueunchained.com, the blog for value chain professionals.

About CDG
The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA and other complementary wireless solutions. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers and equipment manufacturers. The primary activities of the CDG include development of advanced features and services, evolution of standards, technical education, advocacy, regulatory affairs, global roaming and device availability. Currently, there are more than 500 individuals working within various CDG industry initiatives. For information about the CDG visit www.cdg.org.

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