Navigating the sustainability imperative

As mobile data consumption grows exponentially, service providers face the dual challenge of expanding capacity while controlling energy costs and emissions. Energy already accounts for 45% of network OPEX (according to GSMA), making it a critical factor in operational strategies. While 5G is recognized as the most energy-efficient technology available today—transmitting more data with less energy.

How is our technology enabling networks to be both high-performing and energy-efficient? In this edition, we explore actionable strategies. From Sibel Tombaz and Freddie S?dergren’s insights on sustainability challenges to Ericsson’s Intelligent Operations Guide, discover how our solutions tackle the sustainability imperative. It is about making decisions today that will not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For businesses, this means taking a holistic approach to how they operate – from their products and services to their supply chains and waste management.

Building the Networks of the future with sustainability: An interview with Sibel Tombaz

In a conversation with Light Reading, Sibel Tombaz, Head of Cloud & Purpose-built 5G RAN for Ericsson Networks, addresses the pressing challenges of balancing capacity expansion and energy efficiency.

“To truly address the energy challenge, we need to build and operate networks differently. Network modernization, supported by innovative technology, is crucial not just for reducing costs.” – Sibel Tombaz

We are leading this transformation through high-performing radio equipment and advanced software. For example, Ericsson’s 5G Advanced software solutions leverage AI-powered automation to align network capacity with real-time traffic demands, ensuring minimal energy waste without compromising user experience.

Some service providers are already embracing these advancements. Optus deployed Ericsson’s Interference Sensing, enhancing throughput by 22% with more efficient energy use.

Likewise, Telstra implemented intent-based functionalities, achieving 6.8% energy savings without compromising service quality.

Looking ahead, Sibel envisions networks evolving into intent-driven, AI-powered systems capable of balancing sustainability goals with diverse service needs.

?? Watch the full interview

The Intelligent Operations guide: A roadmap for energy efficiency

Reducing energy consumption has become not only a sustainability imperative but also a long-term strategic priority for network evolution. However, many service providers hesitate to activate energy-saving solutions, concerned about potential impacts on performance indicators and configuration complexity.

Our Intelligent Operations Guide offers a transformative framework to address these challenges. By leveraging advanced automation, real-time analytics, and cutting-edge software such as the Automated Energy Saver (AES), we enable service providers to optimize energy use without compromising user experience or performance. These innovations dynamically adjust energy consumption based on traffic demand, reduce operational complexity, and prevent energy waste.

Through the Intelligent Operations Guide, we aim to empower service providers to adopt an evolved, intent-driven approach to energy management. This not only reduces operational costs and carbon emissions but also supports broader sustainability ambitions.

??Explore the guide

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Freddie S?dergren on 5G, AI, and the 6G Promise: Insights from the Telco Sustainability Forum

?At the recent Telco Sustainability Forum, Freddie S?dergren, Head of Technology & Strategy, Business Area Networks, delivered an inspiring talk on “The Role of 5G and AI-Powered Technologies in a Greener Future.”

Freddie highlighted how programmability and AI-driven solutions in RAN systems are paving the way for energy-efficient networks. Key advances include:

• Sustainability standards in RAN technologies: Evolving frameworks to ensure energy-efficient network designs.
• Programmability in RAN systems: Enabling smarter, adaptive networks that consume less energy.
• AI-driven solutions: Intelligent resource allocation to minimize energy use without compromising performance.

Looking to the future, Freddie also explored the exciting potential of 6G technologies to redefine sustainability in telecom.

?? Watch the session highlights

As service providers continue to evolve, navigating the sustainability imperative will be crucial for staying competitive, reducing operational costs, and meeting the customer’s growing expectations. By adopting advanced technologies, intent-driven operations, and AI-powered automation, service providers can reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing network performance. We remain committed to driving this transformation forward!

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