What are the emerging technologies and trends for green cellular communications?

2 Low-power devices and protocols

Another aspect of green cellular communications is to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the mobile devices and the protocols they use. This involves designing low-power devices that can operate for longer periods without recharging, using energy-efficient components and materials, and implementing power-saving modes and features. It also involves developing low-power protocols that can reduce the signaling overhead, the transmission power, and the latency of the wireless communication, such as narrowband IoT, LTE-M, and 5G New Radio.

3 Spectrum sharing and reuse

A third aspect of green cellular communications is to maximize the utilization and efficiency of the radio spectrum, which is a scarce and valuable resource. This involves using spectrum sharing and reuse techniques that can enable multiple operators and users to access the same frequency bands without causing harmful interference or congestion. Some of the techniques include cognitive radio, dynamic spectrum access, massive MIMO, beamforming, and full-duplex communication.

4 Lifecycle management and recycling

A fourth aspect of green cellular communications is to consider the environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of the network equipment and the mobile devices, from production to disposal. This involves adopting lifecycle management and recycling practices that can reduce the use of hazardous materials, the generation of electronic waste, and the emission of greenhouse gases. Some of the practices include eco-design, circular economy, extended producer responsibility, and green procurement.

5 Social awareness and responsibility

A fifth aspect of green cellular communications is to raise the social awareness and responsibility of the network operators, the device manufacturers, the service providers, and the end users regarding the environmental issues and challenges of wireless communication. This involves promoting green policies, standards, regulations, and incentives that can encourage and support the adoption and implementation of green cellular communication technologies and practices. It also involves educating and engaging the stakeholders and the public about the benefits and trade-offs of green cellular communication solutions.

6 Green cellular communication research and innovation

A sixth aspect of green cellular communications is to foster the research and innovation activities that can explore and develop new technologies and trends for improving the environmental performance and sustainability of wireless networks. This involves collaborating and exchanging knowledge and experience among the academic, industrial, and governmental sectors, as well as the civil society and the media. It also involves identifying and addressing the gaps and challenges that need to be overcome to achieve the vision and goals of green cellular communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?