Research from Nokia and Telefónica suggests that 5G networks are 90% more energy efficient than existing mobile infrastructure. 5G networks promise faster speeds, higher capacity and ultra-low latency, but operators are also hoping that new hardware and software will make their infrastructure more efficient and lower the cost per bit. These cost savings are essential if operators are to cope with the huge explosion in traffic that new and existing mobile applications are expected to generate. Operators will need to densify their networks to be able to use new types of spectrum and support the most revolutionary applications.
5G power consumption
Energy costs are a significant part of operating expenses, so anything that reduces consumption will have a financial benefit. Additionally, many operators have set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions or eliminate them altogether. Nokia and Telefónica examined 11 different traffic load scenarios that measure power consumption per megabit on Nokia 5G RAN equipment. The results suggest that operators can reduce their operating expenses to the point of offsetting some of the initial investments required for 5G upgrades. Efficiency gains are the result of equipment manufacturers' hardware and software innovation, such as intelligent power saving, as well as native 5G standard features. Nokia, for example, has managed to reduce 5G base station power costs and CO2 emissions in Finland by using liquid cooling, while also shipping carbon-free products to its customers. The company hopes its research will spur faster 5G adoption among carriers that have delayed or slowed its rollout due to economic concerns. “Our greatest contribution to overcoming global sustainability challenges is in the solutions and technology we develop and deliver. We attach great importance to this,” said Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia. “Nokia's technology is designed to be energy efficient in use, but also requires less energy during manufacturing. This important study highlights how mobile operators can offset energy savings during their deployments by helping them become more environmentally friendly and enabling them to achieve significant cost savings. "