SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
As the industry becomes more engaged with AI and other disruptive technologies, telcos are now consuming a lot more energy. With this in mind, sustainability strategies are having to go further in order to offset emissions.
In response, the telecommunications industry has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aiming to attain a 90 % reduction in energy usage through the utilisation of 5G technology, according to a GSMA study.
This feature examines how such a target is possible and what measures telcos will need to take in order to achieve more sustainable operations. We hear from leading experts at Openreach, GSMA and Analog Devices about how the role of AI is impacting sustainability and what steps telcos can take to ensure greater sustainability.
The role of AI: Confronting sustainability challenges The telco landscape has inevitably changed as disruptive technologies like AI have become more influential. This has been necessary in order to tackle sustainability challenges, including network energy consumption.
Much like other key industries, telecom operators were quick to adopt AI solutions and continue to use the technology to support network operations and customer support. Over the past year, AI has been critical to helping telcos help operators manage operational costs, particularly when it comes to energy expenses.
Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach, describes AI as a“ doubleedged sword” within the industry, but progress has often been positive.
“ There is a lot of uncertainty over sustainability targets. Looking ahead, there needs to be a framework to support people”
ABBY CHICKEN, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY, OPENREACH
“ There are some great AI solutions being developed, especially from our customers,” she says.“ Communications providers have all kinds of AI tracking, which has been great for us operationally. We can use more efficient route planning to reduce diesel consumption, as well as with preventative maintenance and quality.
“ There’ s also work in the industry to support different forms of cooling and strategising to make solutions better.”
Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA, adds:“ Today, energy costs comprise 45 % of network operational expenses and can reach up to 20 % of
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