There are more than 3,800 telecommunications companies in Germany alone. Electricity consumption due to the operation of mobile phone base stations and landline installations is constantly increasing. Because more virtual and mobile communication is taking place, data exchange is increasing. The need is also growing through streaming and video applications.

It is therefore important to limit energy consumption and achieve climate-neutral network operation by using decentralized, renewable energies. The industry can ensure more circularity in network components and end devices. Ways to achieve this include modular, repairable and recyclable product design, take-back options for end devices, sustainable product packaging, holistic waste management and circular approaches for network technology. The promotion of human rights and fair working conditions, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacture of end devices through to their disposal and recycling, is the responsibility of the industry. .

The sustainability lever is many times greater through the digitalization of previously physical processes. Processes and solutions supported by telecommunications save paper, products, transport, energy and emissions. They enable resource-saving Industry 4.0 and IoT applications, autonomous driving, efficient robo-shuttle approaches and other sustainable use cases. Telecommunications companies ensure equal participation in the information and knowledge society. Comprehensive, affordable access to fast internet and cell phone reception is a crucial factor for equal living conditions, especially in rural regions. Correlating with this important care role is the industry’s corporate digital responsibility, which includes the protection of personal data and ethical standards in the development and application of algorithms and surveillance technologies.

The industry includes the operation of telecommunications networks to offer services such as telephony, Internet access and mobile communications.