Radio access networks (RANs) are one of the main sources of carbon emissions in network operators’ overall footprint. As operators have direct control over the deployment, configuration, and operation of RANs, they can leverage this to achieve their carbon reduction objectives. However, despite the availability of many decarbonization levers applicable to the RAN, their effectiveness in achieving net-zero objectives remains largely unexplored. This paper therefore quantitatively evaluates the impact of extending equipment lifetime and reducing electricity consumption on the RAN’s carbon footprint, and their ability to help operators meet their carbon reduction targets. The analysis is based on a methodology for building a radio access network model and assessing its carbon footprint. They are both described in detail. Based on data representative of France in 2025, several scenarios are created to evaluate the contribution of each decarbonization lever individually, followed by a scenario combining both levers. The scenario explores ambitious improvements whereby the lifetime of equipment could be extended by up to five years and electricity consumption could be reduced by up to a factor of four. When applied individually, extending the lifetime of the equipment by five years reduces emissions by 19%, while reducing energy consumption by a factor of four cuts emissions by 42%. Combining both levers reduces total carbon emissions by 61%, which shows that combining these levers leads to greater emissions reductions than applying them independently. However, this remains insufficient to meet the netzero target set by network operators. These findings highlight the importance of sobriety strategies in ensuring the long-term sustainability of mobile networks.

Authors: Bénédicte Nogbou Kongo, Nathalie Labidurie Omnes, Stéphane Tuffin, Nicolas Jullien and Patrick Maillé