EU, cellphone makers agree on single charger

BRUSSELS — No more asking around the office for the right sort of charger. At least that’s what the European Union (EU) and mobile phone officials are hoping.

Ten of the world’s leading mobile phone makers announced that they would introduce a universal charger for data-enabled handsets as of next year.

EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said selling a single, standard charger would cut costs for manufacturers and reduce the number of chargers thrown away when consumers buy new phones.

Verheugen and industry representatives signed a voluntary accord that will ensure the introduction of the new charger sometime next year.