Market
30
Jan
2025
3
min read

Sustainability challenges in the telecommunications industry

Telecommunications companies are facing significant challenges regarding climate change and sustainability. With increasing environmental awareness, customers are increasingly choosing providers based on sustainability efforts in addition to service quality. Governments and regulators are imposing stricter requirements to ensure companies operate in an environmentally responsible way. This forces telecommunications providers to embrace proactive energy management and seek innovative solutions. This according to research of Comarch.

Background

Comarch is a global software house and systems integrator headquartered in Poland, founded in 1993 by Professor Janusz Filipiak. The company specializes in providing IT solutions for various industries, including telecommunications, finance, healthcare, retail, and more. Comarch has a strong focus on research and development (R&D), which has been a key driver of its innovation and growth over the years.

Key sustainability challenges 

The telecommunications sector grapples with energy consumption and environmental impacts. Optimizing energy usage is crucial, not only for reducing emissions but also for maintaining profitability. Telecom equipment, such as base stations, consumes significant amounts of electricity, necessitating efforts to manage and reduce energy usage. Switching to renewable energy sources is another critical challenge, as it involves overcoming the high energy demands of network components while ensuring uninterrupted service.

Moreover, cooling systems in telecom networks require vast amounts of water and solvents. Efficient water usage is thus a priority. Waste management is also a significant issue, as telecom infrastructure generates substantial waste, such as batteries and outdated hardware. Implementing advanced waste processing and predictive maintenance strategies is essential to minimize these environmental impacts.

Sustainability strategies in telecom

AI-driven energy management systems play a central role in optimizing electricity consumption in telecom networks. These systems enable dynamic network management by adjusting energy usage based on real-time data traffic analysis. Additionally, virtualizing network functions allows providers to shut down base stations during lower demand periods, resulting in energy savings.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial but presents challenges in energy supply and distribution systems. Effective management of cooling systems using AI-based tools can reduce water consumption, helping telecom companies improve sustainability while maintaining operational capacity. Furthermore, proactive battery management through AI predictions ensures that batteries are only replaced when necessary, minimizing waste and unnecessary transportation.

The circular economy in telecom

The telecom sector is increasingly focusing on circular economy practices. Reassessing the entire equipment lifecycle— from design to recycling— is key. Providers are now emphasizing modular designs, sustainable materials, and take-back programs to minimize waste and promote a sustainable future.

The role of AI and automation

AI-driven automation is a game-changer in achieving sustainability goals. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI enables telecom companies to develop more effective strategies and automate processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency. With the growing demand for services, especially with the advent of 5G networks, the integration of telecom and IT services through cloud-based solutions and virtualization is helping companies streamline operations.

Conclusion: a green future 

The future of telecommunications lies in automation, innovation, and sustainability. By focusing on smart systems, AI-driven operations, and renewable energy sources, the industry can achieve significant environmental and financial benefits. Telecom companies must adopt sustainable practices proactively to gain customer loyalty, operate responsibly, and thrive in the green economy.

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