The world's biggest mobile phone makers and network operators have backed plans to create a universal phone recharger.
Most manufacturers now produce chargers which work only with their own devices.
The re-charger will consume 50% less stand-by energy than today's cables, the GSM Association (GSMA), an umbrella group for the industry, said.
Firms to back the plan include Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG, T-Mobile, Orange, 3, AT&T and Vodafone.
The majority of new handsets will support the re-charger by 2012.
"This is a broad agreement that will move the industry to a single, energy-efficient charger for all mobile phones," said Michael O'Hara, marketing director for the GSMA.
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