M1 Limited (M1), one of Singapore’s leading mobile network operators, has announced its latest sustainability initiatives as the company ramps up efforts to decarbonise the telco industry.
The greening of M1’s base transceiver stations (BTS) and implementation of smart network management technology which will reduce energy during low traffic periods, underscores M1’s commitment to minimising environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable digital future.
Greening of Base Sites
To date, M1 has installed solar panels at eight BTS sites across Singapore as part of its efforts to reduce the consumption of grid electricity and overall energy usage. These installations have resulted in an estimated 20% reduction in electricity consumption for each BTS site, translating to approximately 4,800 kWh per year per BTS site – the equivalent to more than 13 months of energy consumption in an average 4-room Singapore household. This comes in addition to the solar panels M1 has installed on Raffles Lighthouse and St John Island to support the energy consumption requirement for its mobile network.
The implementation of solar panels at BTS sites is a significant first step in M1’s journey towards decarbonising its network operations. By harnessing solar power, M1 aims to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable telco industry. M1 intends to add solar panels to another 10 sites in 2025, and will continue to monitor green technology trends and conduct trials to increase its green energy usage.
Smart Network Management for Energy Reduction
M1 has earlier completed its pilot trial for the adoption of smart network management technology to reduce energy consumption during low traffic periods. The technology aimed to decrease 4G radio network electricity consumption by dynamically adjusting the power consumption of network elements based on real-time traffic conditions.
Based on initial assessments from the trial, results indicate potential energy savings of up to 300,000 kWh per year across M1’s network. The smart network management technology has since been implemented across M1’s 4G network in July 2024.
“The road to greater sustainability in telecommunications begins with robust infrastructure,” said Denis Seek, Chief Technical Officer, M1. “By integrating innovative technological solutions like Smart Network Power Management and renewable energy sources such as solar power, M1 is paving the way for a more eco-friendly telco industry. Our blueprint for the future network is inked in green, demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact and driving sustainable growth.”
