Green ITResearch Briefings › September 1, 2009

Report: How Mobile Networks Can Cut Carbon

This Pike Research report focuses on the direct impact of green technologies and practices as applied to mobile telecommunications networks, with an emphasis on the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions from network operations. Within mobile networks, base stations and switching centers consume 70-80 percent of an operator’s network energy usage, so improvements here are critical. As operators concentrate on improvements in radio frequency (RF) amplifiers, new network architectures and topologies, fresh air cooling solutions and the use of sustainable energy solutions for off-grid locations, Pike Research believes that a significant opportunity exists to dramatically improve the efficiency and environmental impact of mobile networks. Our analysis indicates that there are sufficient technology and process improvements that could reduce 2013 infrastructure emissions by at least 101 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), a decrease of 42 percent from business-as-usual (BAU) trendlines. Other key factors supporting this trend include government emissions mandates in most parts of the world, along with operators’ increasing shift away from capex-only business case analysis to a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach for purposes of calculating return on investment (ROI) for major infrastructure upgrades. This report examines some of the key opportunities and business case scenarios for achieving these reductions.

View full report. Take 60 seconds to… Limited time offer of $299 a year after free trial

GigaOM Pro delivers expert analysis to turn market challenges into business opportunities.

From data to decision

Network of experts
More than 80 analysts and counting provide deep insight across multiple technology sectors. Meet our analysts.
Fresh content daily
Daily updates, weekly columns, in-depth briefings and quarterly
wrap-ups will keep you informed. Explore our content.
Beyond numbers
Converse with our analysts and community — challenge their analysis or engage in one-on-one conversations.

Real experts, real answers

Mike Wolf, Vice President of Research, GigaOM
Mike Wolf
Vice President of Research, GigaOM
» Profile » Latest report

Monica Paolini, President, Senza Fili Consulting
Monica Paolini
President
Senza Fili Consulting
» Profile » Latest report

Clint Wheelock, Managing Director, Pike Research
Clint Wheelock
Managing Director
Pike Research
» Profile » Latest report

David Card, Research Director, GigaOM Pro
David Card
Research Director
GigaOM Pro
» Profile » Latest report

See all analysts »

Praise for GigaOM Pro

The combination of research, analysis, discussion and opinion on GigaOM Pro has become central to my job and crucial to staying informed.

Ryan Hess
Adobe

GigaOM Pro has assembled a world-class roster of analysts with a focus on some of the issues that are changing the world, from Green IT to NewNet to Connected Consumer.

Jay Andersen
Vice President, Hill and Knowlton

I needed to come up to speed very quickly on mobile payments. I’d already activated my GigaOM Pro subscription… I found report after report incredibly useful. It’s like my secret weapon. It’s just a way to get smarter faster, and I’m a fan.

Sam Ramji
VP of Strategy, Apigee

Industry leaders using GigaOM Pro

Austin Ventures, Adobe, Marvell, PayPal, Peer1, Rackspace, Rovi, Tribune, and more

Learn about enterprise solutions »

Join the 10,000-plus professionals using this premier market research service