As 5G technology accelerates across global markets, the excitement surrounding faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive connectivity is palpable. From autonomous vehicles to real-time virtual reality applications and smart city innovations, 5G is a catalyst for digital transformation. However, this leap in network capability also comes with a significant environmental and operational cost. The rollout of 5G infrastructure has raised critical concerns about energy use, material waste, supply chain ethics, and ecological impact.
This blog delves into the complex sustainability challenges that come with 5G deployment, and what the telecom industry can do to address them without compromising innovation.
The Energy Burden of 5G Networks
5G networks are inherently more energy-intensive than their predecessors. According to a joint study by STL Partners and Vertiv, global 5G deployment could cause energy consumption in telecom networks to increase by up to 170% in coming years.
Why does 5G consume more energy?
- Network densification: 5G operates at higher frequency bands (especially mmWave), which require thousands of additional small cells, particularly in urban environments. This densification dramatically increases energy demand.
- Always-on architecture: Many 5G base stations consume power even during periods of low network usage because of the high standby power requirements.
- Advanced processing capabilities: 5G’s use of Massive MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output), beamforming, and edge computing requires significant computational resources, further increasing power draw.
Real-world Insight: China Mobile reported that power usage at a 5G base station is nearly three times that of a comparable 4G station (China Mobile via GSMA).
Accelerated Equipment Obsolescence and E-Waste Growth
The fast-paced rollout of 5G has accelerated the decommissioning of legacy 2G, 3G, and even 4G infrastructure. This contributes to the rising volume of telecom e-waste. The Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, published by UNITAR, estimates that global e-waste reached 62 million metric tons in 2022 and is projected to grow by 2.6 million tons per year.
Impact on Telecom
- Decommissioned routers, antennas, and base stations end up in landfills if not reused or recycled properly.
- Metals and rare earth elements in these devices—such as gold, palladium, and cobalt—are lost, further depleting natural resources.
- Improper disposal may lead to hazardous material leakage into ecosystems, harming soil and groundwater.
📌 Reference: Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 – UNITAR
Critical Materials and Unsustainable Supply Chains
5G equipment is heavily reliant on critical raw materials such as tantalum, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These materials are often mined in environmentally damaging ways and sometimes under ethically questionable labor conditions.
For example:
- Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been linked to child labor and unsafe working environments.
- Rare earth element extraction in countries like China has led to severe air and water pollution.
According to the European Commission, many of these materials are classified as “critical” due to their economic importance and supply risk.
📌 Reference: EU Critical Raw Materials Act
Urban Infrastructure Strain and Community Pushback
5G’s reliance on dense small-cell deployment means that antennas must be installed on lamp posts, rooftops, and public infrastructure, especially in urban areas. This creates:
- Visual pollution
- Local regulatory challenges
- Pushback from residents and municipal authorities
Balancing technological progress with community concerns requires collaborative urban planning and stakeholder engagement.
How the Industry Is Responding: Toward Greener 5G
Despite the challenges, several telecom operators and vendors are developing innovative strategies to make 5G more sustainable.
1. Green Energy Adoption
Telecoms like Vodafone, AT&T, and Deutsche Telekom are powering their networks with renewable energy sources. Vodafone, for example, now runs its European networks on 100% renewable electricity.
📌 Reference: Vodafone Sustainability Strategy
2. Energy-Efficient Hardware and Smart AI Controls
AI-powered software can predict traffic patterns and shut down unused network elements during off-peak hours. Ericsson's "Zero Touch" energy-saving AI platform reduces energy usage by up to 20% without affecting user experience.
📌 Reference: Ericsson Sustainable Networks
3. Circular Equipment Strategies
Organizations like NetZero.tel enable the resale, redeployment, and recycling of decommissioned equipment. By extending hardware lifecycles, operators can cut emissions, reduce CAPEX, and improve their ESG scores.
4. Modular Base Station Design
Vendors are now designing modular 5G base stations with longer lifespans, upgradeable components, and easier recyclability. Nokia’s AirScale platform, for instance, is built to be software-upgradeable to reduce physical waste.
📌 Reference: Nokia AirScale and Sustainability
Conclusion: A Call for Sustainable Innovation
The 5G era is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a test of the telecom industry’s commitment to sustainable development. With environmental impacts stretching from energy use to e-waste, the choices made during this decade will shape not only our networks but our planet’s future.
Stakeholders must prioritize lifecycle thinking, circular economy practices, and renewable integration to ensure 5G is not just fast and smart—but also clean.
At NetZero.tel, we work with MNOs and network providers to offset the environmental costs of 5G by facilitating the circular use of telecom infrastructure. Let's build the future without compromising the planet.
Want to Learn More?
📩 Email us at [email protected] or visit www.netzero.tel to explore sustainable solutions for your 5G network.