Nokia and Telefónica strongly emphasized the qualifications of 5G as an environmental champion. Their joint research found that the energy efficiency of this technology is 90% higher than that of 4G networks.

Nokia said in a statement that the two parties conducted a three-month energy use test on Telefónica’s wireless access network. The results showed that 5G is “much more efficient than traditional technologies” in terms of energy consumption per unit of traffic.

Despite pointing out that 5G is a “greener” technology than previous generations, the supplier emphasized the need to “take further action to improve energy efficiency” and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

It believes that this improvement can be achieved through energy-saving features, deployment of small cells, and the use of new architectures and protocols.

Nokia Mobile Networks President Tommi Uitto pointed out that this study highlights how operators can understand energy usage and take measures to “be more environmentally friendly while achieving substantial cost savings.”

Juan Manuel Caro, Head of Operational Transformation for Telefónica, added that the company will remain “committed to supporting actions against climate change” and promote this concept in its corporate culture.