3. Review predictions of global warming and related issues.

Consider the expected surge in the use of 4G networks, which will increase electricity consumption to power the networks and cool the equipment. Based on your research, estimate the impact on the environment if mobile network operators did not invest in greener networks.

Four incentives are driving mobile network operators (carriers)

to develop greener mobile networks. The four incentives are:

• To reduce costs. Energy consumption is one of the biggest operating costs for both fixed and mobile networks.

• To overcome limited availability of reliable electricity. Many developing countries are high-growth markets for telecommunications, but they have limited reliable access to electricity.

• To be more socially responsible. Many organizations have adopted corporate social responsibility initiatives with the goal of reducing their networks’ carbon footprints.

• To gain competitive advantage. Network infrastructure vendors are striving to gain competitive advantage by reducing the power requirements of their equipment.

All of these factors will continue to converge over the next several years, creating significant market potential for greener telecom networks.