As I reflect on the telecommunications industry’s journey towards sustainability, I’m struck by both the progress companies have made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Our new report, Smarter networks, greener planet, comes at a crucial time as the sector builds on current initiatives to balance the dual imperatives of meeting skyrocketing data demands from consumers and other industries, and reducing its environmental impact.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Since 2010, global internet traffic has surged 25-fold, and mobile data is set to triple between 2023 and 2028. While this growth is largely driven by digitisation and demand for connectivity outside the telecommunications sector, it puts immense pressure on infrastructure and the planet. Our industry now accounts for up to 1.5% of global electricity consumption and 0.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. Perhaps even more alarming, the world discarded more than five billion mobile phones in 2022 alone, contributing to a staggering five billion kilograms of e-waste. It’s clear we as an industry need to change course. At Liberty Global, we are taking action to drive more positive impact to our environment and our communities and partners through our People Planet Progress strategy. We look for ways to use the power of technology to create that positive impact of innovation.

This is where telecommunications providers can make a difference. Throughout this report, we explore how AI can help us build smarter, more efficient networks that are kinder to our planet. From optimising energy use in networks to extending the life of infrastructure and mobile handsets, we demonstrate how AI offers practical solutions to sustainability challenges — both in telco operations and as enablers for other industries. For instance, our research suggests that AI-driven monitoring and predictive maintenance could substantially reduce network downtime and extend equipment lifespan. The mobile industry perfectly encapsulates the environmental challenge — from production and use to recycling and disposal. These are all areas where AI can make a significant contribution.

But let’s be realistic — implementing AI isn’t a panacea. The industry faces real hurdles, like the complexity of integrating new technology with existing infrastructure. Not to mention the evolving regulatory landscape we all need to navigate. By 2027, the AI sector alone could consume between 85 and 134 terawatt hours of electricity annually — roughly equivalent to the current consumption of the Netherlands.

Despite these challenges, I’m optimistic about our industry’s future. Our research points towards a scenario we call ‘Growth’ — where the strategic application of AI not only leads to significant energy efficiency across telco operations but also helps establish best practices for sustainable AI across all sectors. We’re already seeing promising signs, with some operators managing to carry ten times more data than five years ago without increasing their power consumption.

However, getting to this future requires more than just technological innovation. The industry needs to rethink its approach to governance, balancing the potential of AI with its responsible use. It must invest in its workforce, equipping them with the skills needed for this AI-powered future. And, crucially, greater collaboration is needed across the industry to develop standards and share best practices.

Our recommendations, detailed in the report, include conducting comprehensive assessments of AI’s sustainability impact, prioritising AI-driven network optimisation for energy efficiency,

and accelerating the transition to AI-managed renewable energy sources. We also emphasise the importance of implementing circular economy principles and developing robust governance frameworks that integrate both AI and sustainability considerations.

As you read through this report, I hope you’ll share my optimism about how telecommunications companies can lead the way in creating smarter networks and a greener planet. While AI adoption brings complex challenges across all sectors, the telecommunications industry is uniquely positioned to enable innovation and environmental stewardship to work hand in hand.

This report is a call to action for our industry to pioneer solutions for sustainable AI deployment. Together, our sector has an opportunity to shape a future that puts technology in service of the environment. Let’s seize it.

Read the report