- Operators are retiring 2G networks, which helps reduce energy consumption
- Deutsche Telekom cites progress in reducing emissions
- BT’s ambition is to become a net zero business by 2031
For those intent on pursuing a green agenda, recent comments by Deutsche Telekom’s CEO Timotheus Hoettges about attitudes toward sustainability may have set off one or two alarm bells.
Speaking during the group’s Capital Markets Day earlier this month, Hoettges remarked that “we sometimes have the feeling” that sustainability is “not so much anymore at the heart of investors,” although he made it clear that sustainability is still very much a priority for DT.
“We are not stopping,” he said. “We will continue our efforts to significantly reduce our emissions. And since 2021, we are already 100% based on renewables for Scope 1 and 2, but what is even more important, we were even able to reduce Scope 3, [with a] 23% emission reduction since 2021 in our footprint, and this despite the fact that our data, our consumption of services have doubled at the same time.”
In addition, Hoettges hailed progress with the recycling of fixed-line devices, noting that 61% are being returned and recycled, although he claimed that “we have a challenge when it comes to mobile devices,” with only 25% being returned.
2G sunset in 2028
This week, DT also announced it will turn off its 2G network by June 30, 2028. The operator, along with rivals Telefonica Deutschland and Vodafone Germany, has already turned off its 3G networks and now looks to be the first to make the leap with 2G.
A spokesperson for the group noted that spectrum efficiency as opposed to saving energy is the main driver for switching off 2G.
“We are continuously focusing on saving energy. However, this is not the main reason for switching off 2G. Our network is constantly being modernized, with a particular focus on spectrum efficiency in addition to energy efficiency. This means maximizing data transmission within the available spectrum,” the spokesperson said.
However, the retirement of legacy networks has long been identified as one way for operators to reduce and better manage their energy consumption.
For instance, in its recent report on energy saving strategies and best practices for mobile network operators, the NGMN Alliance recommended that MNOs accelerate the transition from legacy networks such as 2G and 3G to more energy efficient technologies such as 4G and 5G whenever possible.
BT steps up
BT also took a further step toward realizing its green ambitions this week. The U.K.-based group has switched on its first self-powering mobile site, noting that approximately 70% of the site’s energy needs are expected to be generated by the on-site solar panels and wind turbine. Back-up power is provided by a generator powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), itself classed as a green fuel.
BT said it expects the site to deliver about 17,000 kWh of wind and solar energy per year as well as cost savings upwards of £10,000. While the first site serves as a trial, the operator said it has already identified “hundreds of additional locations which have the potential to derive much of their power from on-site renewable sources, in particular in coastal or hilly locations.”
BT’s ambition is to become a net zero business by 2031, somewhat earlier than DT’s target date of 2040, although the German group has an interim goal to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.
The British telco recently deployed energy-saving “cell sleep” technology that puts certain 4G LTE capacity carriers to sleep when the capacity is not needed, based on predicted periods of low traffic that have been established for each site through machine learning.
BT also turned off its 3G network this year and has said it plans to switch off 2G before 2030.
DT CEO: No to ESG
Not one to mince his words, Hoettges also expressed a dislike for the term ESG, which stands for environmental, social and governance.
“To be honest, I don’t like the word ESG. I even don’t know what it is, especially the G. For me, ESG means having a purpose in what I’m doing, connecting the world. And on the other side, creating no scandals … being open-minded, being in the society and being a lighthouse for the customers,” he said.
“We were lucky having no scandals,” he exclaimed. “If you have scandals, I can tell you the management is entirely focused on getting things fixed than rather focusing on customers.”