Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

The Role of 5G and Next-Generation Networks in Driving Telecom Sustainability and Carbon Emission Reduction

Irimiagha Paul Gibson, Maduabuchi. Igboka, Ibanibo Tamunotonye Sotonye

Abstract


The telecommunications industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability as global attention intensifies around climate change and carbon reduction. Telecom networks, particularly legacy infrastructure, have historically contributed significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions due to their reliance on power-intensive hardware and centralized data centres. This article explores how emerging technologies—most notably 5G and future 6G networks—can be harnessed to mitigate environmental impact through improved energy efficiency, intelligent network management, and integration with renewable energy sources. Key enablers such as massive MIMO, network virtualization, edge computing, and AI-driven optimization are evaluated for their role in reducing operational emissions. Additionally, the paper examines challenges including the embodied carbon of new hardware, lifecycle impacts, and the trade-offs between performance and sustainability. By highlighting both opportunities and limitations, this study provides strategic insights for telecom operators, policymakers, and technology vendors striving to align network innovation with global sustainability goals.


Full Text:

PDF

References


United Nations. (2015). The Paris Agreement. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement.

Ericsson. (2020). Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report 2020. https://www.ericsson.com.

engineering.com (2021) The 5G Future: Increased Connectivity, Efficiency and Sustainability .

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Data centres and data transmission networks. https://www.iea.org/reports.

GSMA. (2021). Mobile Net Zero – State of the Industry on Climate Action 2021. https://www.gsma.com.

Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., & Bel, G. (2020). The Global E-waste Monitor 2020: Quantities, flows, and the circular economy potential. United Nations University (UNU), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) & International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).

Mohammad A. I. Kumaraswamy H. V. (2020). Energy Efficient 5G Networks: Techniques and Challenges, Conference: 2020 International Conference on Smart Electronics and Communication (ICOSEC) DOI:0.1109/ICOSEC49089.2020.9215362.

Hasan, Z., Boostanimehr, H., & Bhargava, V. K. (2011). Green cellular networks: A survey, some research issues and challenges. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 13(4), 524–540.

Tataria, H., Shafi, M., Molisch, A. F., Dohler, M., & Saad, W. (2021). 6G wireless systems: Vision, requirements, challenges, insights, and opportunities. Proceedings of the IEEE, 109(7), 1166–1199.

Dang, S., Amin, O., Shihada, B., & Alouini, M. S. (2020). What should 6G be? Nature Electronics, 3(1), 20–29.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.