With the climate becoming a priority in all areas of society, companies of all sizes are taking action to address this problem. For telecommunications network operators, supporting sustainability and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions has become a critical factor in their strategies to reduce their energy consumption, which is currently between 2% and 3% of the world's energy, according to the GSM Association. Furthermore, various national governments and world organizations are demanding that corporations comply with regulations to reduce their energy consumption by up to 50% by 2030.
Implementing 5G is a newer strategy to rollout new services demanded by the market, with higher transmission speed, lower latency, greater remote execution capacity, a greater number of connected devices and the possibility of implementing virtual networks, providing connectivity more tailored to specific needs. It is also an opportunity for network operators to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals.
However, this is not as simple as it sounds; although 5G networks would be up to 90% more energy efficient than 4G*, they would require more energy due to an increase in network density, dependence on IT systems and infrastructure, and accelerated traffic growth.
So, how do we face the challenge of implementing 5G?
The first step for telecom operators is to focus on how to seize opportunities to grow in a changing business environment and build value by offering applications and services alongside more integrated connectivity in a more automated and scalable way. For 5G to be achievable, we must drive and inspire customers to implement 5G-enabled services that support their digital transformation.
Secondly, look for opportunities to become more energy efficient so the promise of 5G can become a reality without burdening budgets and the environment. We know that the issue of saving energy is essential, as 40% of telecommunications operators consider it as their first or second priority for implementing 5G networks, according to an analysis from STL Partners and Vertiv.
Taking advantage of the possibilities of 5G should not be at odds with reaching your sustainability goals. To succeed in supporting both, it is necessary to adopt the best energy and emissions practices in the design, acquisition, implementation and operations of 5G.
In this transformation towards 5G, telecom operators and customers have the opportunity to make changes in their infrastructure to be more efficient. New infrastructure options are more intelligent and capable of reducing costs through more efficient energy use.
It is undeniable that, as technology and civilization have grown together, they have neglected to focus on their checks and balances in terms of the planet's sustainability. This is where technologies, such as 5G, can help accelerate innovation, leading to sustainable processes through greater efficiency in data transmission.
5G is a revolutionary technology that can facilitate future experiences and new forms of services, such as access to fluid and highly sophisticated financial services through a mobile device or the remote delivery of medicines, as well as smarter, more sustainable energy networks. Getting an interesting slice of business, will only be possible if telecommunications companies understand all the new components of this technology and its environmental consequences.
What is the benefit of 5G?
This technology will allow at least three main uses: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). The sustainability of 5G lies in its ability to enable a more powerful and efficient IoT, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and allow greater use of renewable energy that will lead to smarter cities and economic sustainability around the globe.
*Nokia and Telefónica Study