UK Spectrum Policy Forum Event Round-Up: May Plenary 2024
On Thursday, the UK SPF hosted the UK SPF Plenary specifically addressing the topic of sustainability and the role of spectrum policy in supporting many different actions for sustainable development.
The role of spectrum in sustainability
The telecommunications industry is turning its attention to sustainability, with a focus on energy efficiency. Spectrum, often viewed solely as a means of communication, plays a vital role in facilitating safety and security. While the public may not be concerned with spectrum itself, its importance lies in the outcomes it enables.
However, for spectrum to be valuable, investment in infrastructure is essential. The UK government's wireless infrastructure strategy aims to enhance communication networks, addressing challenges such as the significant investment gap in the mobile sector.
Efforts toward more sustainable investment and economics networks can contribute to achieving climate goals and enhancing spectral efficiency. Spectrum policy cannot exist in isolation and must consider the most sustainable deployment of networks.
While spectrum usage undoubtedly aids environmental efforts, the impact is mixed. Although advancements in communication technology enable greener practices and reduce carbon emissions, challenges remain. The UK's transition to a platform-enabled ecosystem has reduced the need for travel, thus lowering CO2 emissions. However, communication services still contribute to energy consumption through individual heating and other means.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of communication networks, with a few companies experiencing minimal impact due to their ability to facilitate remote work. Technologies like 5G play a crucial role in various sectors, from reducing food wastage to enabling efficient vehicle navigation, ultimately contributing to emission reduction.
Despite its significance, the communications industry consumes a considerable amount of energy. To mitigate its impact, mobile network operators (MNOs) are adopting sustainable practices such as sharing infrastructure and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Initiatives like Open RAN aim to make network operations more sustainable and cost-effective.
How to achieve sustainability through spectrum policy?
Efforts to expand network coverage, particularly in remote areas, face challenges such as site availability and power supply. However, innovations like Shared Rural Network (SRN) offer promising solutions to address these challenges.
Progress is being made, with more reporting and industry commitments on emissions from network operators and equipment vendors. There is still a wide area of study being pursued, as evidenced by initiatives like the DSIT Areas of Research Interest (2024 edition). Despite these efforts, several recommendations from Plum 2021 report are yet to be fully actioned, highlighting the risk of fragmentation in approach.
A key question arises about who should have these duties or whether they are handled through wider industrial measures with an appropriate monitoring and measurement framework.
Moving forward, a holistic approach that considers spectrum policy, network deployment, and energy efficiency is crucial for creating resilient and sustainable communication networks. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators, and academia is essential to drive innovation and achieve sustainability goals in the telecommunications sector.
The Plenary was closed after a few updates from the Steering Board and Clusters chairs on upcoming events and opportunities.
Slides
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Contact us
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.