Jordanian mobile network operator Umniah has joined forces with Ericsson to harness the power of AI and machine learning in a bid to reduce energy consumption across its network. Utilizing Ericsson's Intelligent Radio Access Network (RAN) Power Saving solution, the partnership aims to optimize energy use by automatically switching off network components during low traffic periods.
Ericsson's solution monitors network performance in real time, analyzing traffic loads to identify potential areas for power savings without compromising network operations. The machine learning-powered system can discern which systems need to be active, on standby, or shut down entirely, thus improving energy management while ensuring operational efficiency.
A proof-of-concept conducted by Umniah and Ericsson demonstrated a significant 20% power saving across 5G daily operations. Marwan Omari, General Manager of Ericsson Jordan, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Ericsson’s partnership with Umniah highlights our capability to innovate and also aligns with our vision to support our partners in achieving significant energy efficiencies and carbon footprint reduction. The partnership is a testament to our exceptional customer support – service continuity services through advanced AI and machine learning solutions that ensure operational excellence without compromising service quality or our continued dedication to driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.”
This collaboration comes at a time when telecom companies are increasingly aware of their energy consumption and its environmental impact. The telecom sector is responsible for about 3 to 4% of global CO2 emissions, surpassing the aviation industry, due to the high energy demands of data centers and RAN equipment. RAN, which connects individual devices to the broader network, accounts for over 75% of a service provider's network energy consumption, according to a 2022 Ericsson report.
Umniah has already made strides in sustainability, with 32.5% of its total power consumption in 2021 coming from renewable energy sources such as solar farms and photovoltaic panels. The company has launched a sustainability program to further enhance its environmental governance practices.
Alaa Ibrahim, Umniah Jordan’s Chief Technical Officer, underscored the importance of the partnership: “The collaboration with Ericsson signifies a crucial step forward in our commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. The positive outcomes of the initial proof-of-concept were clear and we are eager to see the benefits of this AI-enhanced power-saving technology on a larger scale. The implementation of Ericsson's Service Continuity Power Saving solution is not just about cost savings, it is about taking meaningful action towards reducing our environmental footprint and building a greener future.”
As telco firms continue to evolve their business models to address environmental concerns, partnerships like that of Umniah and Ericsson are leading the way in integrating advanced technology with sustainable practices.
