Telecommunications is a vital sector for the global economy and society, enabling connectivity, innovation, and digital transformation. However, it also faces significant challenges in terms of environmental impact, social responsibility, and regulatory compliance. How can telecom actors across the full value chain, including network operators, service providers, equipment vendors, enterprise users, consumers, policymakers and regulators, address these challenges and turn them into opportunities? 

Real Wireless has extensive experience in helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals and create value for their stakeholders, across the full telecom value chain. We are committed to supporting the telecom industry and all users of telecom services thrive in a sustainable manner. Our approach integrates deep technical and economic expertise, sustainable innovation practices and robust market participation to promote and deliver lasting environmental, societal and economic benefits across the telecoms industry including end users and associated stakeholders. 

Telecoms & sustainability

  • How can the telecoms industry reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of networks, services and products? 
  • How can businesses best leverage advancements in telecoms technology, including 5G, IoT, private networks, Wi-Fi, DAS, small cells, AI, and edge computing, to further their digital transformation initiatives, thereby lowering energy usage and carbon emissions, while boosting resilience, social, and economic value? 
  • How to design and implement circular economy principles and practices in telecom, such as reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish and recycling of telecoms equipment, materials and end user devices? 
  • How to comply with the evolving regulatory standards and frameworks on sustainability in telecom, such as the EU Green Deal, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the ITU-T recommendations? 

These are some of the important questions emerging when considering sustainable strategies and outcomes in the telecom’s world. Real Wireless advises our clients on the development, deployment and assessment of sustainable network infrastructure and innovation, with a clear focus on environmental, economic and societal impact, looking beyond the legacy focus on performance and quality alone. We work on projects seeking to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions and implement efficient technologies that ensure connectivity that is performant, reliable and sustainable. 

What we do

Real Wireless actively participates in projects that focus on sustainable economic growth, social contribution and environmental responsibility. We understand the importance of technological innovation that balances economic and social advancement with net-zero and environmental impact strategies. 

  1. Expert Strategic Insight: developing cost-effective strategies for sustainable connectivity technologies and infrastructures (including shared, rural and urban neutral-host networks), recognising that connectivity is a crucial element in overcoming digital divides and ensuring equitable access to shared prosperity and economic growth. 
  2. Policy and Regulation: We provide independent, unbiased advice to policymakers and regulators, helping them develop policy and regulatory frameworks that encourage sustainable innovation and infrastructure development in the telecoms industry. We provide strategic advice to industry on the impact and implementation of emerging regulation. 
  3. Energy Efficiency: We prioritise energy-efficient solutions in our wireless infrastructure projects. This not only reduces operational costs but also lessens the environmental and net-zero footprint of wireless networks. 

Why we are different

  • Independent Expertise: Unlike others, we are not tied to any specific vendors, technologies or industry groups. We work across the full value chain, advising both incumbent and disruptive suppliers, service providers, local and national government bodies, venue owners and operators, service users, local authority planning departments and landlords. This allows us to offer unbiased, expert advice tailored to the unique needs of each project and client. 
  • Holistic Approach: Our team combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of economic and policy considerations, ensuring comprehensive and sustainable solutions. 
  • Proven Track Record: With over fifteen years of trading, we have successfully delivered numerous projects that balance technological advancement with sustainability. 

Publications

Identification and quantification of key socio-economic data to support strategic planning for the introduction of 5G in Europe

This study fills a major void in 5G research by forecasting the qualitative and quantitative socio-economic benefits of 5G. The study has been closely aligned with 5G-PPP activities and more than 150 experts have contributed to the research.

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