Radar: The sustainable telco

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Climate-related activity in the telecoms sector has accelerated markedly over the last 18 months. Energy costs now represent 20-40% of telecoms opex, which will be exacerbated as 5G takes hold, with average data usage expected to rise fourfold by 2025. The clear demand among telcos for energy-efficient solutions has invited a significant level of innovation among equipment vendors and others in the supply chain.
In this Radar, we delve into strategies for energy efficiency improvements in telecoms networks in the 5G era (including through the use of AI) and across wider footprints including transportation fleets and campuses. We also explore the impact of connectivity and digitisation on other industries, and the growing range of partnerships and standards alignment to tackle the supply chain emissions that make up Scope 3 - the largest piece of the pie (70%) and most difficult to address.
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MWC Shanghai 2025: a window into the future?
MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
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Over 300 operators have announced net-zero targets: 2040 and 2050 are the major milestones
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This edition looks at net-zero targets among mobile operators.
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