A lot of standardization is happening right now. If you fancy collecting different mobile phone chargers and data cables, this might not be a good news for you after all.

Recently, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP), a forum with the aim of simplifying the customer experience of mobile data service, has decided to use micro USB as the universal charger and cable connector in the near future.

With millions of mobile phone users switching from one model to another at least once a year, this step will eliminate unnecessary costs, minimize clutter and foster easier connectivity.

"The OMTP's work to bring consensus for what is such a simple yet significant recommendation will have wide reaching benefit. With the reduction of cables needed for mobile data connectivity, we can further enhance user experiences in our devices while reducing the burden to the environment," said Nokia Technology Platforms Portfolio Planning Director Markku Verkama.

Prominent OMTP members include Nokia, Ericsson, AOL, Sandisk,, Cingular Wireless, Hutchison 3G, Orange, SK Telecom, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telenor, T-Mobile and Vodafone.