Interview 

BT’s Head of Environmental Sustainability Gabrielle Ginér explains how the Joint Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility (JAC) is helping telcos tackle sustainability issues collectively 

As the telecoms sector sets its sights on net zero, it faces a major challenge to reduce emissions from the global supply chain. For most operators, Scope 3 emissions (those generated outside of their direct operations) account for much of their carbon footprint, and it is a problem they cannot solve in isolation. 

This is where the Joint Alliance for Corporate Social Responsibility (JAC) comes in. 

“JAC is a not-for-profit association of telecom operators dedicated to developing Corporate Social Responsibility across the Information and Communication Technology supply chain,” explains Gabrielle Ginér, Head of Environmental Sustainability at BT and a board member of JAC. “JAC verifies, assesses and implements CSR while sharing resources and best practice to develop long-term supply chain sustainability.” 

With over 30 members and growing, including industry giants like AT&T, BT, Vodafone, and Singtel, the JAC represents a large portion of the telecoms market, and its influence is expanding in both scope and ambition. 

A shifting focus 

The JAC was founded in 2010 by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telecom Italia to promote basic CSR principles, but members’ priorities have quickly evolved. The alliance has expanded to also focused on three emerging areas: climate change, supply chain due diligence, and circularity. 

To support these goals, JAC has created dedicated working groups. One is focused on accelerating progress toward net zero by helping members reduce Scope 3 emissions. Another is addressing human rights risks across global supply chains through collaborative due diligence. A third, more recently established, group is working on circularity, exploring how telcos can reduce waste by reusing components from network equipment and consumer devices. 

“Most of JAC’s members either have circularity targets in place or plan to set them in the next three years,” Ginér explains. “The top three motivations for pursuing re-use and recycling are carbon reduction, waste reduction, and regulatory compliance.” 

Sustainability down the supply chain 

While collaboration between telcos is important, JAC’s impact depends on execution, and that means working directly with suppliers. The body’s Supplier Engagement Programme (SEP) uses data to assess more than 900 suppliers on their environmental maturity, offering tailored support to help them improve. 

In parallel, the Carbon Reduction Programme (CRP) focuses on around 50 high-impact suppliers. These are the companies whose products and services contribute most significantly to telecom operators’ Scope 3 emissions. Suppliers are asked to disclose product-level carbon footprints and to provide clear, time-bound reduction plans. 

A standout example of this work involves BT, Ericsson and the electronics manufacturer Flex.  

“Ericsson worked with one of its suppliers, Flex, that switched to 100% renewable electricity for its factory in Tczew, Poland,” Ginér explains. “Of the 1.1 million products Flex produced for Ericsson in Poland, 1,401 baseband units were shipped by Ericsson to BT Group. As Flex switched to renewable energy at its Tczew site, Flex and Ericsson estimated an 11k-tonne reduction in Flex’s Scope 2 carbon emissions dedicated to Ericsson for 2022, which translates to a 14-tonne reduction in embodied carbon emissions for the 1,401 baseband units shipped to BT Group.” 

“It may seem like a small improvement,” she adds, “but these types of actions are necessary in the journey towards net zero and set a precedent for how these types of collaborations can be scaled in value chains.” 

Sustainability at BT 

BT is also progressing with its own sustainability agenda, both operationally and within its supply chain. It aims to get to net zero by 2031 within its own operations, and in its wider supply chain by 2041. The company is rolling out more energy-efficient fixed and mobile networks, phasing out legacy infrastructure, and consolidating real estate to reduce emissions from buildings. Last year, it recovered 1,750 tonnes of network equipment and reused 1,548 items in its network. 

“We switch off the energy-intensive 3G network in 2024 which saved over 60 GWh,” Ginér notes. “When older networks are switched off, we recover the network equipment so it can be reused or recycled.” In October last year, it secured £105m from recycler EMR (European Metal Recycling) for its surplus copper networks. The income stream is significant, even after the costs of extracting and processing the cabling. 

The company is also transitioning its fleet to electric and zero-emission vehicles, with over 5,500 electric vehicles already in use. It placed its largest ever order of 3,500 EVs in January this year. “We’re working hard and investing to convert the majority of this fleet to electric or zero-emission vehicles by the end of FY31 – where that’s the best technical or economic solution.” 

Supplier expectations have also been formalised. ESG-related topics now carry a 20% weighting in BT’s supplier assessments, and environmental criteria are embedded into onboarding.  

“Today, suppliers representing more than 65% of our supply chain emissions are reporting to CDP,” says Ginér. CDP stands for the Carbon Disclosure Project, a platform where companies report environmental data such as carbon emissions, to promote transparency and accountability. 

The next steps 

As telecom operators face mounting pressure to decarbonise, improve transparency, and reduce waste, the need for collective action only intensifies. 

“The sector is doing quite well,” says Ginér, “but of course there is always more to be done, especially in tackling Scope 3 emissions.” 

With most JAC members now committed to science-based or net zero targets, and an increasing number taking action on circularity and due diligence, the foundations are in place. The next challenge is scale, ensuring that pilot programmes and successful supplier partnerships become standard practice across the global telecom ecosystem. 

Also in Feature Week:

UK data centre expansion sparks net zero concerns 

Real estate companies Greykite and White Star Real Estate say that their joint venture has successfully converted a former logistics facility in Warsaw into a state-of-the-art data centre, now known as Digital Ursus and claimed to be Poland’s largest data centre.

Launched last year, Greykite is an independent European real estate investment firm established and headquartered in London. White Star Real Estate is an international real estate company active in Central and Eastern Europe since 1997.

The two companies launched a US$339 million Polish logistics and data centre joint venture last year. It took over three sites (in Warsaw, Gliwice, and Strykow) that White Star had developed under its Diamond Business Park brand. The Ursus site was built by White Star between 2013 and 2019.

The reported site transformation includes a significant upgrade in power capacity, increasing from 18 MW to an anticipated 65 MW within the next year. This enhancement, the partners say, positions Digital Ursus as a critical node in Europe’s expanding digital landscape.

This 20,000 square metre facility, strategically located just eight kilometres from downtown Warsaw and six kilometres from Chopin Airport, has secured a long-term lease with a leading global data centre operator, believed to be EdgeConneX, which, the Data Centre Dynamic website reports, has signed a 15-year lease.

The site adds that EdgeConneX, in turn, is reportedly leasing the site for use by one of the ‘five largest tech companies’ globally and is to invest hundreds of millions of euros into the project. The company currently operates 2.5MW of capacity and 1,400 square metres of data centre space across three facilities in Warsaw.

Poland’s data centre market in general – and Warsaw in particular – is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a tripling of power resources by 2030.

The latest spectrum licence auction in Thailand has apparently only attracted two bidders: True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS) – and they do not seem interested in all the spectrum on offer. So what happens now?

The Bangkok Post reports that AIS and True submitted bid proposals to regulator the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) along with bank guarantees of 10% of the reserve price of each spectrum band for which they plan to bid, as required by the auction rules, after the NBTC opened the one-day period to submit licence bid applications on Thursday.

The NBTC plans to auction four spectrum bands on 29 June: 850MHz, 1500MHz, 2100MHz and 2300MHz. However, reports suggest that AIS and True will be targeting only the 2100MHZ and 2300MHz bands 

For the 850MHz band two 2x5Mhz lots are available at a minimum  bid per lot of 7.738 billion baht (about US$235.8 million). For 2100 MHz, the three lots (each 2×5 MHz) require a minimum bid per lot of 4.5 billion baht (US$137.1 million). For 2300 MHz there are seven 10Mhz lots priced at a minimum per lot of 2.596 billion baht (US$79.1 million).

Finally 1500 MHz will need to attract a bid per 5MHz lot of at least 1.057 billion baht (US$32.2 million); there are 11 lots.

Following the application period, the NBTC will review applicants’ qualifications from 30 May to 5 June, then submit results to its own board for consideration. We can expect announcements between 6-13 June. Appeals can be filed from 16-18 June.

Qualified bidders will be announced on 19 June. A mock auction will then take place on 23 June, followed by the real thing on 29 June.

It’s not clear what will happen to the unsold spectrum. In addition, according to the Bangkok Post, a group led by the Thailand Consumer Council recently submitted a joint petition to the Central Administrative Court seeking to scrap the auction, claiming it could affect consumer interests and will lead to a market monopoly.

Published by The Sunday Times in partnership with workplace engagement platform WorkL, the annual list acknowledges businesses in the UK that exhibit exemplary inclusion, wellbeing support, and satisfaction among staff members. With more than 500 companies evaluated, Altnets is unique not just for its industry but also for its scale, values, and culture.

Founded in 2020 with just three employees and no permanent workplace, Altnets today employs 17 individuals and runs from a state-of-the-art office overlooking Brighton Marina. In addition to being an established leader in telecommunications, the business is regarded by its staff as one of the most fulfilling and content workplaces.

Co-Founder and Director Sam Bangle commented, “This award reflects the outstanding team spirit we’ve built at Altnets.

“What makes us unique is the passion, creativity, and focus our employees bring to their jobs. Without them, Altnets wouldn’t be the business it is today.”

From servicing 33 clients in 2021 to over 100 by 2024, Altnets has expanded rapidly, but its ultimate objective remains unchanged: to connect communities digitally across the country, while cultivating a thriving, people-first culture within its team.

With its comprehensive healthcare plans and insurance benefits, annual team-building excursions for the team, monthly social gatherings, and flexible work schedule designed to encourage a healthy work-life balance, Altnets is creating a working experience where staff members feel appreciated, encouraged, and seen.

“We’re more than a company that serves customers – we’re powered by our people,” Bangle added. “Our success demonstrates that, alongside our efforts to build digital connections throughout the UK, we are equally committed to maintaining a thriving and encouraging community here in Brighton.”

Altnets is one of only two Brighton-based companies to be named in the ‘Small Organisation’ category of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 – and the only telecoms business of its size to be featured nationwide. This distinction demonstrates Altnets’ commitment to its employees and solidifies its standing as a leader in a field that isn’t frequently recognised for having an impressive workplace culture. While men largely dominate the telecoms sector, Altnets actively strives to diversify its workforce by recruiting more women than the industry average. Altnets strives to be regarded as one of Brighton’s best places to work, establishing a benchmark for small businesses across the UK.

The Sunday Times commented: “Recognition is the watchword at this Brighton telecoms company. Its 17 staff enjoy structured rewards, team-building and social events, including pizza days and charity skydives. There is also a commitment to personal development, with professional certifications and leadership coaching, and a wellness programme to ensure they care for themselves. They enjoy private healthcare, mental-health support and David Lloyd gym membership. Volunteering days allow people to give back to a cause they care about.”

Open communication, respect, and enjoyment are the foundations of the Altnets culture, reflected in schedule flexibility, opportunities for professional development, and regular after-work socials. The outcome is an unrivalled staff community and a place of employment staff genuinely enjoy being part of.

This recognition from The Sunday Times is more than simply an award – it’s an endorsement of the uplifting, collaborative culture that each team member works to develop and sustain.

A Company to Watch in UK Telecoms

With demand for high-quality telecoms solutions continuing to grow, Altnets is proving that investing in people is not just the right thing to do — it’s a powerful business strategy. From driving digital infrastructure forward to setting a new cultural benchmark in the sector, Altnets is one to watch.

Whether you’re starting out or looking for your next step in the industry, Altnets is always keen to connect with passionate, driven individuals who want to be part of something special. To find your next career opportunity with an award-winning company, email: info@altnets.co.uk 

Vitel Wireless claims to be the first Nigerian MVNO to achieve full interconnection with all major mobile network operators (MNOs), as it prepares for a nationwide launch later this year.

In a statement, Vitel said the milestone will allow its subscribers to make and receive calls with users on MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), and 9mobile.

The interconnectivity was established through a combination of direct fibre connections and indirect routing via third-party providers.

This development follows several other firsts for Vitel. It was the first of 46 MVNOs licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission to be allocated a numbering plan, as well as national and international routing codes. Vitel also launched a location awareness network and was the first to announce a strategic nationwide rollout plan.

“We are gathering momentum for our big launch,” said Kenneth Emeka Nwabueze, MFR, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless. “We are proud to be showing what’s possible for MVNOs, while also creating a path for others to follow. By leveraging our years of experience in Nigeria’s telecom industry, we are opening up new possibilities where there used to be none.”

Vitel plans to pilot its network in May 2025, with a full nationwide deployment scheduled for July, aiming to connect “millions across Nigeria.”

TerraPay, a global money movement company, has partnered with Wave Mobile Money, a mobile money provider, in what is described as a strategic move to enhance cross-border remittance services in West Africa – and specifically Mali.

This partnership enables Malians to receive money from family and friends abroad directly into their Wave mobile wallets, creating a faster, more accessible, and cost-effective way to access international remittances.

Not surprisingly. the collaborating companies have an established presence in the region. Wave Mobile Money, a fintech company founded in 2018, is a mobile money services provider operating in seven West Africa countries: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Burkina Faso.

TerraPay simplifies global money movement, providing a single connection to one of the most expansive cross-border payment networks regulated in over 30 global markets.

Through this collaboration, TerraPay’s global payment network now facilitates remittance flows from multiple money transfer operators across the US, Canada and Europe to Mali, all through a single streamlined integration. This model ensures that all Wave users in Mali can instantly receive funds.

TerraPay explains that over 80% of Mali’s population uses mobile phones, with many using them for mobile money and digital wallets. 

The Orabank Group, a major financial player in West Africa, will also be a part of this initiative. Karamokho Badiane, Regional Head of Business Development at Wave Mobile Money explains: “This strategic collaboration allows us to harness TerraPay’s global payments infrastructure alongside Orabank Mali’s deep expertise in remittance services, empowering us to expand our reach and provide even greater value to our users.”

The Namibian government has set out ambitious plans to rapidly improve connectivity services as part of its strategy to stimulate economic growth.

According to Ecofin Agency, the government aims to increase minimum internet speeds to 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload – benchmarks recommended by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support the region’s digital transformation goals.

To reach these targets, Namibia is moving away from legacy technologies such as 2G, 3G and WiMAX, and is instead prioritising the deployment of 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, fibre-optic networks and satellite services.

Discussions with stakeholders are currently ongoing, with deployment plans yet to be finalised. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia reported in February 2024 that approximately 360,000 people – around 12% of the population – remain outside 4G coverage areas. Additionally, 5G services are not yet commercially viable in the country.

Audrin Mathe, Executive Director of the Ministry of ICT, said: “In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury. It has become the essential foundation for information and entertainment, education, healthcare, innovation, commerce, governance, and virtually every aspect of modern life.”

Startup Stories

Summarise your business in one sentence: 

A local, open-source hardware and software company building smart home and environmental sensors that prioritise privacy, performance, and community-driven innovation.  

Introduce your startup: 

Apollo Automation designs and manufactures smart IoT sensors for home automation, including motion, air quality, and plant health monitoring devices. Our sensors are open-source, fully local (no cloud required), and integrate seamlessly with platforms like Home Assistant and Homey. We aim to make reliable, privacy-respecting smart home technology accessible to everyone while keeping production and innovation rooted in the USA. 

What was your inspiration for founding the company? 

We started Apollo out of frustration with the lack of high-quality, transparent, and locally made sensors on the market. What began as a weekend hobby project quickly gained traction in the open-source community. After seeing the response, we decided to take the leap full time and build a company focused on doing things differently. 

Tell us about your business’s journey so far. What have been the biggest challenges and biggest successes? 

Apollo began in a small workshop in Kentucky in 2023 and has since grown into a full-fledged operation with multiple product lines and a global customer base. Our biggest challenge has been scaling manufacturing while staying local and transparent. Our biggest success has been building a passionate community of users and contributors who genuinely care about our mission and help shape our products.

What does the future hold for your business? Where do you see the company a year from now? 

We’re continuing to grow our product lineup and expand into commercial and industrial sensing. In a year, we see Apollo Automation as a recognised name in privacy-first smart sensors and a trusted partner for integrators and builders looking for flexible and local alternatives to cloud-dependent solutions. 

What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at Broadband Communities Summit? 

We’re excited to connect with others who are building the future of connected spaces. We look forward to sharing what we’ve built, learning from other innovators, and exploring opportunities to bring our sensors into broader commercial and residential use cases. 

HQ location: Versailles, Kentucky, USA 

Number of employees: 6 (4 full-time, 2 part-time) 

Funding situation: Bootstrapped 

URL: https://apolloautomation.com 

Founders: Justin Bunton, Trevor Schirmer 

LinkedIn Address: https://www.linkedin.com/company/102172757 

As part of the new contract, MLL will also continue to enhance Fife Council’s connections at 150 schools. An immediate focus is the provision of a secure and resilient cloud-based connectivity service to support the Council’s ‘Transforming Learning’ initiative which involves the roll out of around 36,000 iPad computers to schools from now through March 2026.

The iPads and school infrastructure represent a £50million commitment over the next 10 years from Fife Council’s capital and revenue budgets. The digital learning and inclusion initiative will ensure all primary and high school students from P6 through to S7 receive an iPad which can be used in school as well as remotely.    

Additionally, MLL will continue to cost-effectively upgrade Fife Council’s MPLS network with the implementation of fibre connections. Where possible, Fife will leverage the grants and funding for fibre connectivity available from Gigabit Scotland and the UK Government.      

Andrew Milne, Infrastructure Manager, Fife Council, said: “Over the years MLL has reliably provided network services to transition and transform our wide area network and we are confident they will continue to support its evolution and enable the services we wish to deliver in the future. Our Transforming Learning programme is a good example of our commitment to leveraging the network for delivering social value, ensuring school students from all backgrounds have access to secure digital devices when studying at school or at home.”   

Kirste Johnston, MLL’s Strategic Client Director for Scotland & Northern England, added: “We are proud to be continuing our long relationship with Fife Council and to be playing an important role in evolving the network to support digital learning and teaching in schools as well as future initiatives.” 

Fife Council’s WAN service is fully supported by MLL’s centralised Network Operations Centre based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire and regional team in Scotland, including Client Management, Technical Consultancy, Project Management, Service Management and local Field Engineers.