GSMA reports 13% cut in mobile operators' emissions amid 4x data surge
Global mobile network operators cut operational carbon emissions by 13% between 2019 and 2024, even as mobile data traffic more than quadrupled and connections grew 10%, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Net Zero 2026 report released Tuesday. Emissions fell another 5% in 2024 alone—the fastest annual drop in five years—driven mainly by renewable energy, which supplied about 70 terawatt‑hours and lifted the industry’s renewable share from 10% to 24%.
For Sub‑Saharan Africa, the picture is mixed: operational emissions fell 29% over the period, but the report notes that direct emissions rose because many operators still rely on diesel generators where grid power is unreliable—a reality familiar to Nigerian telecom users experiencing frequent base‑station outages.
The GSMA says the progress shows digital growth can coexist with climate action, yet 73% of the sector’s carbon footprint lies in Scope 3 emissions from supply chains and end‑user devices, meaning broader efforts are needed beyond network operators.
With Nigeria’s telecoms still dependent on diesel for towers, will you advocate for stronger renewable‑energy policies for the industry, or support providers investing in solar‑powered infrastructure to cut both emissions and service disruptions?