Press Release

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] Huawei supported by content from GSMA Intelligence, hosted the “Green Development Elite Club” during MWC Barcelona 2025. The event, themed “Pave the Way for Green Telco,” convened key stakeholders including UNFCCC, GSMA Intelligence, ITU-T, and over 20 leading global operators such as China Mobile, Globe, Turkcell, and HKT, to deliberate on the imperative of green development within the ICT sector. During the session, GSMA Intelligence unveiled the “Green Network Index” report, proposing innovative methodologies for assessing and rating the evolution of green networks, thereby bolstering operators’ carbon neutrality strategies and promoting sustainability within the ICT landscape. 

Zhouyu, President of Huawei Network Consulting and System Integration, delivering “Fast, Secure, Valuable – Accelerating Green Development” 

Mr. Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence, underscored green development that constitutes a global objective and a crucial mission for the ICT industry. As a proponent of environmental accountability, GSMA Intelligence is dedicated to advancing green practices within this sector. In response to the demand for a cohesive framework, GSMA Intelligence developed the Green Network Index with comprehensive metrics and measurement of green network evolution, thereby facilitating the successful implementation of sustainable development initiatives. 

From top-level consensus to industry implementation 

Mr. Massamba Thioye, Project Executive of UNFCCC-GIH (UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub), shared a global perspective on green development, asserting that addressing climate change demands more than mere technological solutions but a multifaceted approach including policies, standards, financial support, business models, and decisive leadership. He highlighted that beyond promoting sustainable development, ICT technologies were increasingly serving as a “digital lever” for catalyzing green transformations across multiple sectors.  

Mr. Paolo Gemma, Chair of ITU-T SG5 WP2/5, elucidated that fuel and electricity constitute 90% of network expenditures. He stated that the establishment of green visions, principles, and standards was vital for operators aiming to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The ITU-T actively supported this initiative through the introduction of green indicators such as NCIe and NEE, which focused on enhancing both network energy efficiency and user experience, and encourages operators to engage actively in this endeavor.  

From technological innovation to business success 

Mr Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry and Connected Industries, guided operators in using a comprehensive Green Realization, Planning and Execution (GRPE) framework. Four carriers from different regions implemented the framework in real-world use cases. 

Mr. Singleton Zhou, President of Huawei Network Consulting and System Integration, articulated in his address titled “Fast, Secure, Valuable – Accelerate Green Development” that global operators stand to save 338 billion kWh of electricity annually, along with 115 million square meters of equipment room space. The potential waste of electricity and space occupied by legacy equipment represents a significant resource deficit that is critical for the development of new business ventures, such as computing power. 

The Green Target Network aimed to assist operators in conserving resources through the integration of communication systems with energy networks and the alignment of green infrastructure with digital transformation. In 2024, Huawei employed its AI-driven Full Service Area solution to assist operators in planning and constructing green, resilient networks, resulting in the upgrade of 100,000 sites and 4,000 data centers, achieving reductions of $140 million in OPEX and 740 million kWh in electricity savings. This endeavor also necessitated 800,000 significant network changes, with a configuration success rate of 99.99%. 

Huawei capitalizes on core capabilities such as 3DGS spatial modelling, lossless fiber locating, AI-driven Full Service Area planning, and one-stop delivery to empower operators to expedite transformation, enhance business leadership, and achieve superior profitability. 

From green strategy to best practice 

Panel discussion

A panel discussion featuring representatives from Globe, Turkcell, and HKT concentrated on strategies, standards, and practices for advancing green networks. Globe talked about how sustainability metrices, such as the GSMA Green Network Index, can help accelerate the company’s green network strategy. As part of its net zero roadmap, the company utilizes renewable energy and continuously deploys green network solutions nationwide. Turkcell also commenced large-scale construction of green sites and solar power plants, with expectations of substantial carbon emission reductions and a target of 100% renewable energy. By the end of 2024, Turkcell had achieved a 40 MW installed capacity through solar farms, wind turbines, and green sites. Furthermore, Turkcell is committed to becoming a NET-ZERO operator by 2050 through targeted carbon reductions. HKT has significantly enhanced operational efficiency through AI scheduling, providing a range of green services to communities and enterprises, thereby accelerating the vertical industry ‘s green transformation. 

Despite variations in business focus and market dynamics, all operators unanimously acknowledge the necessity of establishing a green network index system, reaching a broader consensus on pathways to achieve global green network transformation. 

From standard leadership to industry collaboration 

Emanuel Kolta, Lead Analyst at GSMA Intelligence, introduced the “Green Network Index” model, which encompassed four dimensions: energy and carbon efficiency, renewable energy, performance and availability, and vertical enablement. This framework was designed to assess operators’ sustainable development, establish benchmark networks, and disseminate successful practices to drive effective green evolution within the ICT industry. 

The green sustainable development of the ICT sector is now transitioning from strategic planning to practical implementation. Operators are demonstrating numerous best practices to tackle critical business challenges such as unreliable electricity supply, high energy consumption from legacy equipment, and obstacles in network evolution and market expansion. These initiatives are yielding significant energy savings, cost reductions, and enhanced market competitiveness. As leading operators continue to benefit from green transformation, operational cost optimization, and business development, the momentum for green transformation among global operators is accelerating. 

News 

Ericsson and SoftBank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of next-generation telecom technologies, including AI, Cloud RAN, Extended Reality (XR), and 6G, aiming to establish a strategic partnership towards 2030 

The partnership, built around the concept of “NextWave Tech,” Ericsson and SoftBank’s partnership, centred on NextWave Tech, aims to speed up the development of future networks by testing new technologies and business applications. They will focus on Cloud RAN deployment, AI-driven automation, and XR connectivity, while also exploring ways to improve spectrum use—particularly in centimetre Wave technology—to strengthen Japan’s position in 6G. 

By working together on network roadmaps, the companies plan to stay ahead of the industry’s move towards AI-powered, cloud-based telecom infrastructure. Their goal is to make networks more efficient, cost-effective, and high-performing, shaping the future of mobile connectivity. 

“This new collaboration with SoftBank marks a significant step forward in realising the full potential of AI-powered connectivity technologies. By combining our expertise in RAN and AI, we are poised to drive innovation and shape SoftBank’s future of mobile networks, empowering their technology leadership through 2030,” said Jawad Manssour, President and Representative Director of Ericsson Japan in a press release. 

 “Our new partnership with Ericsson allows us to explore cutting-edge solutions that will redefine network capabilities and customer experience. Our joint efforts in areas such as 6G and AI will not only enhance the performance of our network, but also pave the way for new business opportunities and technological breakthroughs,” said Hideyuki Tsukuda, EVP and CTO at SoftBank Corp. 

Ericsson and SoftBank intend to align their efforts with the broader industry shift towards AI-powered, cloud-based telecom infrastructure. Last June, SoftBank was one of the founding companies of the Global Telco AI Alliance, along with Deutsche Telekom, SK Telecom, e& and Singtel. The joint venture was signed for telco AI development, with each company equally investing.  

The five companies have agreed to develop Large Language Models (LLMs) that are specifically designed to meet telco needs, in areas such as improving customer interactions via digital assistants and chatbots. The LLMs will be tailored to the needs of the five companies in their respective markets, allowing them to reach a combined customer base of around 1.3 billion people in 50 countries. 

In an additional move to strengthen the company’s position in AI computing, last week, Softbank announced an agreement to acquire US based semiconductor design company Ampere Computing Holdings LLC for $6.5 billion. 

Keep up to date with the latest international telecoms news by subscribing to the Total Telecom newsletter  

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Podcasts

Seemingly arbitrary decisions and reviews with seemingly pre-determined outcomes left Evan Feinman’s staff ‘constantly concerned,’ the former director of BEAD explained on Beyond the Cable

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

The arbitrary nature of decision making left former Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) staffers constantly concerned about their jobs, according to Evan Feinman, the program’s former director.

Feinman, who sat down today with Broadband Communities, made the comments on the Beyond the Cable podcast.

“My really high-talent staff was constantly concerned that they were going to be let go at any reason,” Feinman said. “Not because they were underperforming, not because they weren’t getting the job done, but irrespective or whether or not they were performing and getting the job done.”

According to Feinman, who resigned his post on Friday, March 14, that fear hurt the culture within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The NTIA, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, is described as the executive branch agency most responsible for advising the White House on matters like information policy and telecommunications.

As the director of the BEAD Program, Feinman oversaw the rollout of the nation’s $42.42 billion investment into expanding broadband access in America under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Feinman said BEAD is state-led effort.

“At least it was conceived to be,” he said. “The new administration seems to be interested in making it a much more top-down, directed out of D.C., approach.”

A ‘pretty clear directive’

Feinman’s departure additionally came shortly after Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced a “rigorous review” of BEAD.

“I would really welcome a rigorous review,” he said. “That was not my experience. Instead, it seems as though the outcome of any review had been determined already.”

Feinman also added detail to earlier reporting that he’d been pressured to increase focus on low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

“The pretty clear directive that came from the secretary’s office was to increase the use of satellite and to decrease the use of fiber,” he said. “I don’t think that’s really well-supported by a plain reading of the statue that created the BEAD program.”

Feinman also clarified that previously reported comments from Lutnick emphasizing a focus on LEO coverage, and asking if Feinman had ever spoken to Elon Musk, were relayed to him by a colleague.

“I did not have Sec. Lutnick say that directly to me,” he said, adding that he was told about Lutnick’s comments by a colleague debriefing him shortly after the comments were made.

He said he has confidence that the reported comments were spoken, however.

“I got the debrief from the meeting minutes after it occurred,” he said. “So, there was no real debate, and I got it from multiple people.”

Feinman also said he thinks it is “significant” that there has been no pushback regarding the content of that meeting.

“If there had been inaccurate reporting about the content of Secretary Lutnick’s directive, they’d have pushed back on that and they haven’t at all,” he said.

How to listen

Feinman is worried that the new direction of the BEAD Program could “lock in” a digital divide. Click here to listen to the full episode on Spotify.

Apple Podcasts listeners, meanwhile, may click here to hear the full interview with Feinman.

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Learn more about Broadband Communities Summit 2025 in Houston.

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News

The regulator is proposing that direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services make use of spectrum already licenced by mobile operators for 4G and 5G

This week, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed new rules that would allow D2D satellite services to be provided using the same spectrum and terrestrial mobile networks.

The regulator says the rules would make the UK the ‘first country in Europe’ to adopt such an approach, giving the nation a lead in this emerging technology.

“For years, we’ve seen satellite calls in disaster movies on special handsets. We’re now on the cusp of people being able to make them on their everyday smartphones,” said Ofcom’s Spectrum Group Director David Willis. “Ofcom always strives to be at the forefront of technological change, and we’re the first country in Europe to press ahead with the next frontier in mobile connectivity. This would unlock investment, open doors to innovation and growth, and bring much-needed mobile coverage to rural areas.”

D2D satellite communication has been a growing topic of interest for a number of years now, with the technology potentially allowing mobile operators to ensure their customers remain connected wherever they go.

Currently, satellite communications typically require a satellite to connect to a terminal deployed by the end user, which then relays the signal to the end user’s device, or to a specialised satellite phone. D2D services do away with this middleman, allowing customers to connect directly to the satellite itself using an unmodified smartphone.

Elon Musk’s satellite behemoth Starlink is currently testing its D2D capabilities with T-Mobile in the USA, while other players like AST SpaceMobile are also advancing their capabilities. Just last week AST sought permission to launch the latest model of its BlueBird satellite, with the aim of launching commercial D2D services in 2026.

From a regulatory standpoint, however, these emergent services raise a question over spectrum usage. Current mobile spectrum licences for 4G and 5G do not provision for connection to satellites (at least in the UK) and doing so poses the risk of interference of existing mobile services.

Despite these technical challenges, allowing operators to make use of their existing spectrum licences is very attractive, potentially allowing them to roll out D2D services more quickly and efficiently. It could also potentially help them to reach their rural coverage obligations, in some instances.

Ofcom is suggesting three possible approaches to D2D satellite services: (i) a licence exemption; (ii) a variation to the MNO’s existing base station licence accompanied by a licence exemption; or (iii) a new licensing regime. The regulator says its preference is for option (ii) but is seeking comment from the wider industry.

The consultation will continue until 20^th May 2025, with commercial D2D services potentially becoming available later this year if the proposals are approved.

How is satellite connectivity reshaping the UK’s telecoms industry? Join the discussion at our Connected North conference live in Manchester!

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Malaysian operator Maxis has partnered with Nokia to deploy data centre networking solutions for large enterprises, aiming to meet the growing demand for AI and cloud adoption.

In a statement, Maxis described the partnership as a joint go-to-market initiative designed to equip enterprises, hyperscalers, and OTT players with more scalable, secure, and automated networking capabilities to fully leverage AI and cloud technologies.

As part of the collaboration, Maxis will provide high-performance connectivity using Nokia’s AI-powered Data Centre Fabric, a networking solution that enables data centre operators to enhance efficiency, automation, and resilience in their cloud environments.

“The rapid evolution of AI and cloud technologies is creating new opportunities and driving growth in the cloud and data centre landscape. Reflecting this transformation, our partnership with Nokia will support our ongoing efforts to deliver next-generation networking solutions to our customers,” said Maxis Chief Enterprise Business Officer Prateek Pashine.

News

The partners say they expects to pre-lease the new London colocation facility to hyperscalers

This week, real estate investment firm Segro has announced a new joint venture with Pure Data Centres to build a £1 billion data centre facility in Park Royal in west London.

The 30,000sqm facility will have a capacity of 56MW, which will be leased to tenants that provide and manage their own server equipment.

The data centre will be owned equally by Segro and Pure DC. Segro will provide the industrial site with its associated power infrastructure, while Pure DC will outfit the facility with the power and technology infrastructure required to host data centre servers.

The joint venture is expected to sign a long-term lease agreement of more than 15 years with a global hyperscaler.

“This innovative joint venture with Pure DC allows us to develop our first fully fitted data centre, alongside a highly experienced partner with an excellent track record of delivering world-class facilities to global hyperscalers,” said David Sleath, chief executive of Segro.

“SEGRO choosing to enter into a joint venture with Pure DC for its first fully fitted data centre development demonstrates our capability to create world-class digital infrastructure. Together we will develop a 56MW data centre in central London capable of handling next-generation cloud and AI workloads,” added Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure DC.

In total, the data centre project is expected to require a combined investment of £1 billion, with Segro providing an initial £150 million.

The data centre market has boomed over the past year, driven by a surge of AI-related investment and the subsequent demand for cloud compute power. While the construction of these new facilities carry major challenges – such as land and renewable energy availability – they also offer margins “too large to ignore”, according to Sleath.

Construction of the facility is expected to start next year, with commercial availability beginning from 2029. The construction process itself is expected to generate hundreds of jobs.

“This announcement is another powerful endorsement of Britain as a home for tech investment, which will not only bolster the local economy and create job opportunities but also pave the way for a digital and AI-powered future,” said Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), Peter Kyle MP. “Private investment like this innovative partnership between SEGRO and Pure DC will help us ensure the UK has the digital infrastructure it needs to thrive, helping us harness the power of technology to grow the economy and raise living standards, the central missions in our Plan for Change.”

How is the data centre boom impacting the North of the UK? Join the industry in discussion at the Data Centre Summit, co-located at the Connected North conference in Manchester

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