Airtel and Nokia Launch Green 5G Initiative for Energy Efficiency

October 11, 2024

Indian telecommunications giant Airtel has partnered with Nokia to launch the “Green 5G” initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in Airtel’s 4G and 5G radio access network (RAN). This collaboration leverages advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to optimize energy usage and targets cutting 143,413 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The effort aligns with both companies’ environmental goals, as Airtel aims to meet rising data demands while reducing its carbon footprint, and Nokia commits to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Central to the Green 5G initiative are zero-traffic, zero-watt operations that aim to minimize power consumption during periods of low or no traffic. This approach is complemented by AI-enhanced software designed to automate and refine energy efficiency processes. By deploying these advanced technologies, both companies seek to ensure that their networks operate optimally without wasting energy. The use of digital design tools further aims to reduce transmitted power, thereby lowering energy costs without sacrificing network performance.

Additionally, the inclusion of Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) marks a significant step in efficient resource management. This innovative hardware solution promises to cut power consumption by 15% through dynamic adjustment based on network traffic. The partnership exemplifies a growing trend in the telecommunications industry, where sustainable practices are increasingly being integrated into technological advancements. Through initiatives like this, Airtel and Nokia aim to set a global benchmark for energy-efficient networks, combining AI, machine learning, and state-of-the-art hardware solutions.

Broader Industry Impact and Future Prospects

Indian telecom giant Airtel has teamed up with Nokia to introduce the “Green 5G” initiative, aimed at boosting energy efficiency in Airtel’s 4G and 5G radio access network (RAN). This collaboration hinges on advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to optimize energy use, with a goal of cutting 143,413 metric tons of CO2 annually. The initiative aligns with both companies’ environmental objectives: Airtel seeks to meet growing data demands while slashing its carbon footprint, and Nokia is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

A key aspect of the Green 5G initiative is zero-traffic, zero-watt operations, designed to minimize power use during periods of low or no traffic. This strategy is bolstered by AI-enhanced software that automates and improves energy efficiency processes. By integrating these advanced technologies, both companies aim to ensure their networks operate efficiently without wasting energy. Digital design tools aim to cut transmitted power, thereby reducing energy costs without compromising network performance.

Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) is crucial for efficient resource management, promising a 15% reduction in power consumption through dynamic network traffic adjustments. This partnership reflects a growing trend in the telecom industry to merge sustainability with technological advances. Through these combined efforts, Airtel and Nokia aim to set a global standard for energy-efficient networks, utilizing AI, machine learning, and cutting-edge hardware solutions.

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