A new report has indicated energy efficiency as the first or second priority for telecom operators when deploying the 5G networks.
The 5G networks are estimated to be up to 90 per cent more efficient per traffic unit than their predecessors, but with various challenges.
A new report, ‘Why Energy Management Is Critical To 5G Success,’ conducted by STL Partners and Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, provided ways the telecom operations could get along with the 5G networks.
These include deploying hardware and software designed and operated for efficiency, taking a holistic, full lifecycle view of costs, investments across the network, and embracing innovative and non-traditional commercial models, standards, and collaboration, among other solutions.
“Telecom operators making meaningful energy and cost reductions are doing so by evaluating the entire ecosystems around their network operations – people, objectives, infrastructure, and partners,” said Vertiv’s Vice President, Scott Armul.
He added, “Because of the reliance on information technology to enable 5G applications, a high degree of collaboration will be required across operators, OEMs and infrastructure providers, and customers to ensure deployments are optimised, and every possible efficiency is pursued.”
The report, however, made clear that network efficiency improvements and best practices, while necessary, were only one piece of the energy puzzle that comes with 5G.
It suggested that those efforts must be paired with a more holistic, societal approach to curbing energy use and emissions that leverage 5G capabilities in ways far beyond the telco operator’s control.
STL Partners Director, Phil Laidler, said, “Operators are deploying 5G networks to grow new revenues. This growth will come from new connectivity and applications enabling operators’ customers’ own transformation journeys.”
“To be credible, informed partners for their customers, operators must lead by example. Energy strategy is a great place to start.”
