Early results show mobile operators are concerned about the energy impact of GenAI

Currently Recon Analytics is in the middle of a global mobile network operator study on the topics of GenAI and network automation. At the mid-way point of the survey with 101 operator completes, over 80% of MNOs say they are giving GenAI a serious look but also have real concerns about the energy requirements needed to support GenAI. Some of the initial results are as follows:

·???????? 82% of the MNOs we have surveyed say their company is examining GenAI and see it as an important technology.

·???????? 75% of the MNOs that say they are examining GenAI and see it as an important technology, are also concerned GenAI will lead to increased carbon emissions. Worth noting, “don’t know” was an option to this question. No one selected that answer which is unusual in a survey. Everyone had an opinion on GenAI and increased carbon emissions. ?

·???????? Reenforcing the response to the carbon emission question, only 16 out of 83 MNOs said that GenAI will benefit them through lower operational costs.

·???????? The biggest expected benefits of GenAI listed by MNOs is the ability to use more autonomous systems and decreasing human error that comes with increased network and service complexities.

The results could change when the survey is completed, but so far, the data we are getting backs what I have heard anecdotally when it comes to MNOs outlook on GenAI.