Telecommunications providers are under pressure to develop a high-speed communications infrastructure while considering environmental and sustainability considerations. Even though many business owners have committed to supporting climate initiatives, some sustainability methods cannot be implemented without additional reforms.
Here are a few of the main sustainability projects being undertaken by telecom companies:
Cut Back on Carbon Emissions
According to the 2022 ABI Research report “A Telco Sustainability Reality Check,” the electricity needed to power operators’ networks accounts for more than 90% of their operational carbon footprint.
Operators can disclose their carbon effect footprint to the Carbon Disclosure Project for accountability and transparency. According to the GSMA, 60 mobile carriers chose to share their information in 2021, and 2.7 billion operator connections received the highest score, signifying the use of best practices.
Run Green Networks and Rely on Renewable Energy
Using renewable energy to power their networks, operators may lower carbon emissions and maximize energy use. Operators might, for instance, think about solar power, wind power, lithium-ion batteries, and renewable electricity from a renewable source as alternatives to diesel generators. They could also spend money on energy-efficient wireless technology and equipment.
Utilize Tools for AI and Machine Learning
Operators can employ tools that provide important information about energy use and network performance as AI and machine learning continue to develop. Operators can also use some speed-testing apps like Speed Test, which measures the bandwidth for mobile and Wi-Fi networks and the speed of your internet connection.
According to ABI Research, Ericsson, for instance, supports a use case in which AI-enabled solutions offer KPIs regarding RAN performance and 5G deterioration. Another application of AI by Ericsson is for advanced root cause analysis, which examines field operations, performance, cost reductions, energy conservation, and carbon reduction.
Turn Off the 2G and 3G Networks
The cellular industry has advanced to 5G, which provides real-time use cases with enhanced data speeds, high bandwidth, and low latency; this speed can be checked with CenturyLink. However, such features have a drawback because 5G is a technology that is thought to be energy-intensive.
5G needs three times as many base stations to provide the same coverage as LTE. The rise is because 5G requires higher network densification or more cell sites. After all, it has shorter signal propagation at higher frequencies. Although 5G uses much energy, it is still more energy-efficient than older 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. According to a Nokia test of 5G RAN power usage, this efficiency is attributable to advancements in hardware and software, standardization around energy efficiency, power-saving features, and more data units transmitted per kilowatt of energy.
While most operators have completed sunsetting 2G and 3G, many still run non-freestanding 5G on legacy 4G infrastructure. In comparison, they complete the construction of their standalone 5G infrastructure. Operators won’t fully understand the potential energy benefits of 5G until that time.
Improve Product Lifecycle
To support a circular economy, telecom providers and networking suppliers should improve product lifecycle management. A circular economy reduces waste by refurbishing, reusing, and recycling goods and equipment like outdated switches and routers.
Operators, vendors, and businesses can utilise virtualisation and wireless network architecture to lessen reliance on physical equipment, enable software upgrades, and reduce supply chain emissions.■ #hydnews #khabarlive
