How Telcos, NSPs, and Chipmakers Can Achieve Sustainable Networks

In the pursuit of digital innovation, the imperative for network service providers and businesses engaged in modern network deployment is to champion sustainability and devise strategies for mitigating carbon emissions. This year, this trend has become evident among all participants in the digital transformation movement.

I recently took part in the Telecom Infra Project's Fyuz 2023 event, where I observed the commitment of service providers and operators towards sustainable networks. The event was organized with a focus on eco-friendly practices, and numerous sessions and panel discussions showcased leaders' visions and initiatives for sustainable telecom infrastructure. Moreover, various energy-efficient solutions were presented, including one at the Open Networking Foundation's booth, which was discussed in a recent webinar on the SmART-5G project implementation using energy-efficient architecture.

Numerous reports have been released to shed light on the efforts of operators and their solution and equipment providers in this regard.

The GSMA, representing global mobile operators' interests, published the "Mobile Net Zero" report earlier this year. This report offers an overview of the telecom industry's progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, featuring case studies and best practices. Notably, the report underscores the alignment of operators and their solution providers with the net-zero goal. According to the report, 62 operators, constituting 61% of the industry's revenue and 46% of its connections, have committed to science-based targets aimed at significantly reducing their direct and indirect emissions by 2030, marking an increase of 12 operators since the previous year's report.

Additionally, ABI Research presented the "A Telco Sustainability Reality Check" report, assessing the current state of sustainable practices in the telecom industry and offering recommendations for operators.

After reviewing these reports, it becomes evident that two key points require emphasis. First, telecom operators, alongside solution providers and chipmakers, must collaborate to drive the development of energy-efficient 5G and future network generations. Secondly, individualized plans must be devised for each of these stakeholders to create environmentally friendly network solutions. This blog post will delve into each sector's responsibilities for constructing eco-conscious networks.

Telecom Operators

Specifically for telecom operators, they should focus on the below steps

Invest in renewable energy

Telecom networks consume a lot of energy, so switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is a key step towards reducing the industry's environmental impact.

Deploy energy-efficient equipment

Telecom operators can also reduce their energy consumption by investing in energy-efficient equipment. For example, new 5G networks are designed to be more energy-efficient than previous generations of wireless networks.

Reduce waste and recycle materials

Telecom operators can also reduce their environmental impact by reducing waste and recycling materials. For example, operators can recycle old equipment and batteries.

Design and manufacture more sustainable products and services

Telecom operators can also design and manufacture more sustainable products and services. For example, operators can develop products that are made from recycled materials or that consume less energy.

Work with suppliers to reduce their environmental impact

Telecom operators can also reduce their environmental impact by working with their suppliers to reduce their suppliers' environmental impact. For example, operators can work with their suppliers to develop more sustainable manufacturing processes.

Educate customers about how to use their services more sustainably

Telecom operators can also play a role in educating customers about how to use their services more sustainably. For example, operators can provide customers with tips on how to reduce their energy consumption when using their devices.

In addition to these measures, we also need to develop new technologies and solutions to make telecom infrastructure more sustainable. For example, we need to develop new ways to power telecom networks in remote areas where renewable energy sources are not available. We also need to develop new ways to manage and optimize telecom networks to reduce their energy consumption.

Here are some examples of what telecom operators are already doing to make their infrastructure more sustainable:

• Deutsche Telekom is committed to becoming net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company is investing in renewable energy, deploying energy-efficient equipment, and working with its suppliers to reduce their environmental impact.
• Orange is another telecom operator that is committed to becoming net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company is investing in renewable energy, deploying energy-efficient equipment, and developing new ways to manage and optimize its networks to reduce their energy consumption.
• Vodafone is committed to becoming net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company is investing in renewable energy, deploying energy-efficient equipment, and working with its suppliers to reduce their environmental impact. Vodafone is also developing new products and services that help its customers to reduce their environmental impact.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective solutions emerge.

NSPs and Chipmakers

Network solution providers are working to reduce energy consumption in telecom networks through a variety of initiatives, including:

• Designing and manufacturing energy-efficient equipment. This includes using more efficient components, such as power supplies and processors, and optimizing the design of equipment to reduce energy consumption.
• Developing new network architectures and protocols that are more energy-efficient. For example, new 5G networks are designed to be more energy-efficient than previous generations of wireless networks.
• Deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to optimize network performance and reduce energy consumption. For example, AI and ML can be used to reduce the power consumption of base stations by turning them off or reducing their power output when traffic is low.
• Working with telecom operators to develop and implement energy-saving strategies. This includes providing operators with tools and resources to help them reduce their energy consumption.

Chipmakers are also playing a key role in improving the energy efficiency of telecom networks. Chipmakers are developing new chipsets that are more energy-efficient without sacrificing performance. They are also working with network solution providers to develop new networking solutions that are more energy-efficient.

Here are some specific examples of how network solution providers and chipmakers are focusing on energy efficiency:

• Cisco has developed a number of energy-efficient networking solutions, including its EnergyWise technology, which helps network operators to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
• Ericsson has developed a new base station architecture that is up to 50% more energy-efficient than previous generations.
• Huawei has developed a new chipset for 5G base stations that is up to 20% more energy-efficient than previous chipsets.
• Intel has developed a new family of processors for network servers that are up to 50% more energy-efficient than previous processors.
• Qualcomm has developed a new chipset for mobile devices that is up to 30% more energy-efficient than previous chipsets and can run AI algorithms on it.

These are just a few examples of how network solution providers and chipmakers are working to improve the energy efficiency of telecom networks. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective solutions emerge.

Conclusion

The focus on energy efficiency is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to reduce the environmental impact of the telecom industry. Second, it helps to reduce the operating costs of telecom operators. Third, it helps to improve the performance and reliability of telecom networks.

We can say that the transition to sustainable telecom infrastructure will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including telecom operators, suppliers, governments, and customers. However, the benefits are clear: a more sustainable telecom industry will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and protect the environment.