Airtel Teams Up with Nokia for Sustainable 5G Solutions

On October 8, 2024, Bharti Airtel Limited announced a groundbreaking partnership with Nokia focused on “Green 5G,” an initiative designed to implement energy-efficient solutions across Airtel’s mobile network. This strategic collaboration aims to significantly enhance energy efficiency within Airtel’s expansive 4G/5G Radio Access Network (RAN) by integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), along with a suite of innovative software features.

The comprehensive solutions developed through this partnership are projected to improve energy efficiency during both peak and off-peak hours. Notably, the initiative is expected to reduce Airtel’s carbon emissions by an estimated 1,43,413 metric tons of CO2 annually. 

Key aspects of this collaboration include:

1. Zero-Traffic, Zero-Watt Operation: The initiative aims to minimise the power consumption of the radio network to very low levels during periods of no traffic, optimising energy management and conserving power.
2. AI/ML Integration: By combining Nokia’s advanced energy-saving features with Airtel’s AI/ML algorithms, the companies are automating and fine-tuning energy-saving software across their 4G and 5G radio resources, leading to further efficiencies.
3. Digital Design Transition: The collaboration has involved trials of advanced digital design tools to optimise cell configurations for reduced transmitted power, positively impacting both CO2 emissions and energy costs without sacrificing network performance or user experience.
4. ReefShark System-on-Chip: The latest generation of the ReefShark System-on-Chip enhances energy efficiency by adapting internal resources based on actual processing needs. This approach optimises power consumption according to traffic load, leading to an additional 15% reduction in energy use.

Randeep Sekhon, the Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, emphasised the importance of sustainability in response to the increasing demand for data across India. He stated, “In response to the surging demand for data, mobile networks across India have rapidly expanded, particularly with the rollout of 5G technology. At Bharti Airtel, our commitment to sustainability has led us to collaborate with Nokia. This partnership allows us to leverage innovative solutions that deliver substantial energy savings, enabling us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and further our environmental objectives in alignment with our business strategy.”

Nokia’s Head of Mobile Networks in India, Tarun Chhabra, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting Nokia’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2040. He remarked that the innovative technologies developed through this partnership would not only enhance the performance of communication networks but also play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption.

Airtel has set ambitious emissions reduction targets and is executing various key initiatives to meet these commitments. The company is focusing on promoting energy efficiency, leveraging open-access green energy, and adopting renewable energy solutions throughout its network. Notably, Airtel has already deployed solar-powered systems at approximately 25,000 sites and significantly increased renewable energy usage in its data centres, sourcing 220,541 MWh through green power wheeling agreements and captive solar rooftop plants in FY2024.

This partnership between Bharti Airtel and Nokia marks a significant step toward creating a sustainable and energy-efficient mobile network, reflecting a growing commitment within the telecom sector to prioritise environmental responsibility while meeting the demands of an increasingly digital world.

On October 8, 2024, the share price of Bharti Airtel Ltd opened at ₹1,662.60, touching the day’s high at ₹1,679.50, as of 12:19 PM on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.