Let’s Go Green-Benefits of Green Technology for Telecom Operators

In our daily life, we have become quite acquainted with technology and do most of our work using different gadgets and devices. At one side technology is making our life easier, but on the other hand, it is also a reason behind some serious environmental issues i.e. global warming and pollution. It is now an open secret that our earth has started to suffocate from all the pollution we are creating. Keeping in mind the repercussions of deteriorating environmental conditions, many developed countries are adopting a way to build up such technology that does not harm the environment and reduce pollution, termed as Green Technology.

Green technology is the type of technology which is environmental friendly. Such technology is developed and used in a way that does not come into conflict with the environment and does not destroy natural resources.

Keeping in mind the repercussions of deteriorating environmental conditions, many developing countries are adopting a way to build up such technology that does not harm the environment

Green technology is also known as ‘environmental technology’ or ‘clean technology’. Many agencies are promoting standards and regulations that encourage green technology in the industry. There are three main key drivers that are pushing businesses to go Green including:

•   Improving the environment
•   Reduce Waste & Decrease Costs
•   Public Image & Increased Sales

With these benefits in mind, organizations opt for green technology but the reimbursements they get in return are far greater. Increasing public demand for corporate social responsibility and a genuine desire to bring positive change in the environment are also leading telecommunication service providers and their suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.

Telecom sector is one of the most progressive industries around the world; the mobile subscription is on rise, having a large number of towers and consuming great amount of energy. As per a study conducted by GSMA Intelligence in 2017, there are 8.4 billion active mobile phone connections in the world. Pakistan has been at forefront of this growth having over 139.76 million active subscribers.

Increasing public demand for corporate social responsibility and a genuine desire to bring positive change in the environment are also leading telecommunications service providers and their suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint

The surge in demand for telecom services has increased the sector’s energy requirements, making it one of the largest consumers of diesel and consequently, one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the world. This growth has been supported by a robust telecom infrastructure comprising scores of towers resulting in the need for growing Green in the telecommunication sector. Efficient power management, infrastructure sharing, use of eco-friendly renewable energy sources and cutting down carbon emission over the complete duration of the product lifecycle have been under intense consideration by telecom industry all over the world. There are a number of ways through which telecom operators can achieve that:

Green Networks

By minimizing the energy consumption through the use of renewable energy resources like solar, wind, hydro, biomass fuel etc.

Green Manufacturing:

Using eco-friendly inputs, energy efficient manufacturing equipment, electronic and mechanical waste recycling techniques and reducing the use of hazardous substances like chromium, mercury.

Handset vendors are also working on a variety of “green” handsets, with features ranging from simple reminders to unplug the phone when it is fully charged with using solar energy for charging.

Green Office

Optimization of energy power consumption and thermal emissions reduction by using sustainable energy options. Also minimizing paper usage by opting for digitalization wherever feasible.

Green Towers

Mobile operators  and vendors  are working  on a  number of  initiatives to  develop energy  efficient networks and  ensure that  their customers  use energy-efficient  handsets.

Green Technology should be an integral part of Telecom Policy, underlining broad directions and goals

Another efficient and environmental friendly option for telecom operators is to design low energy base station sites powered by renewable energy. Implementation of infrastructure optimization and sharing also decreases financial and environmental cost.

Green Waste Disposal

Disposal of mobile phones, network equipment in an environmental friendly way so that no toxic material is channelized into the atmosphere.

In the past decade the mobile industry has grown rapidly, not only in Pakistan but worldwide. Although this increased demand for telecom and IT services has made ICT industry the biggest contributor to environmental pollution. But at the same time, ICT also has the potential to put all the other industries in the right direction through its latest innovations and revolutions.

Efficient power management, infrastructure sharing, use of eco-friendly renewable energy sources and cutting down carbon emission over the complete duration of the product lifecycle have been under intense consideration by telecom industry all over the world

The developments in IoT and smart cities rely on ICT industry therefore, it is very important to first implement the environmental friendly solutions in ICT industry itself so that its growth doesn’t face any hurdles.  In order to strengthen the development of green technology, the government needs to motivate and facilitate mobile operators to go for green technology. Green Technology should be an integral part of Telecom Policy, underlining broad directions and goals. The network operators should progressively induct carefully designed and optimized energy efficient radio networks that reduce overall power and energy consumptions by moving towards hybrid Renewable Energy Technologies.

The surge in demand for telecom services has increased the sector’s energy requirements, making it one of the largest consumers of diesel and consequently, one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the world

As the telecom industry moves forward in delivering seamless wide network coverage throughout the country, they should ensure that the impact on environment is minimal. Such initiatives will not only benefit the industry but also bring positive environmental impact in the long run.