30 percent less power consumption with 5G: Vodafone introduces new features…

Dusseldorf (OT)

• Star shot on the Lower Rhine: Vodafone launches the new 5G technology widely in the network
• Active mobile radio technology for area frequencies is aggregated into portable radio stations
• This means that the fast network reaches people in the countryside at much lower capacity
• Potential savings of about 20 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually
• Activation during planned modernization works on mobile terminals

Vodafone, in cooperation with its technology partner Ericsson, is bringing new energy-efficient technology to the German 5G network. The goal: to provide a fast network to more people in the countryside with less power. The new 5G technology combines different area frequencies (900, 800 and 700 MHz) and radio cells in a single system for the first time in the control center at the foot of the cell phone station – that is, in the so-called active component. The advantage of mobile radio stations with so-called area frequencies: they provide particularly large areas with stable and reliable mobile communications. By assembling active technology, it now operates at full capacity with 32 to 40 percent less energy. After successful tests in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, the telecommunications group is now gradually launching the technology in the live network.

Vodafone CEO Rogge: “Good for smartphone users and our planet”

“For the first time, we are combining active technology for different area frequencies in our mobile terminals. This is good for smartphone users in rural areas and it is good for our planet. Because with the new technology we are making fast and reliable networks,” says Philippe Rogge, CEO of Vodafone Germany. 5G is better for people in rural areas and deep within buildings – and requires a third less electricity than before.

From the innovation laboratory to the German mobile network for the first time

“Power consumption is reduced by up to 40 percent, weight is reduced by 60 percent – ​​about a year ago we celebrated the world premiere at the presentation of the 6646 radio module at Eurolab in Aachen. At the Imagine Live Innovation Day at the R&D Center, explains Daniel Limbach, Head Ericsson Western Europe Division: “Our experts presented the innovative 5G technology for the first time.” “We are even more pleased that Vodafone is convinced of the performance combined with energy efficiency and is installing the technology on a large scale. Because only innovations that are scalable, economical and powerful at the same time provide the full benefit to mobile communications customers and sustainability.”

Widespread activation begins now

In Wachtendonk, Lower Rhine, new energy saving technology from supplier Ericsson has been tested on the live grid over the past few weeks. The result: potential energy savings of 32 to 40% per 5G mobile site. Daily operations now start here. As part of the standard modernization work, Vodafone and Ericsson will gradually activate the technology in additional mobile terminals in the coming months.

The power requirements of a family of two can be met per station

The energy requirements per cell site can be reduced by more than 2,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This roughly corresponds to the annual energy requirements of a two-person household. If this technology were implemented on a large scale in several thousand stations in the network, about 20 million kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved annually. At the same time, stable and reliable network coverage in rural areas is also enhanced.

On the way to carbon dioxide neutrality

The new antenna technology is an additional building block on Vodafone’s path to operating more sustainably, one step at a time. The Düsseldorf-based company has set itself concrete goals for this: the digitalization cluster wants to be CO2 neutral by 2025. The network is the biggest and most important lever. Since 2020, Vodafone has sourced 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. It also constantly tests new technologies and solutions to make the German mobile network more sustainable and conserve resources: this is how it guarantees Dynamic power saving mode In the mobile network for more than a year around the clock for intelligent adjustment between actual power requirements and consumption.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is a global leader in communications technology and services headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The core business is equipping mobile networks. The company’s portfolio includes, among others, networking business areas; Software and cloud services as well as wireless solutions and technologies for enterprises and new businesses. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have brought the benefits of mobile communications to billions of people around the world. The company helps its clients develop digitization, increase efficiency, and open new revenue sources.

Founded in 1876, the company employs approximately 101,000 people worldwide and works with clients in 180 countries. In 2022, Ericsson achieved sales of SEK 271.5 billion. Ericsson is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in Stockholm and New York.

Over several decades, Ericsson has made a pioneering contribution to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the development of global mobile communications standards that benefit consumers and businesses around the world. Ericsson’s patent portfolio includes more than 60,000 issued patents, and is strengthened by our leading position as a 5G supplier and our annual investment of more than $4 billion in R&D.

Ericsson is involved in the majority of live 5G networks that have been commercially launched. The 155 live 5G networks supported by Ericsson worldwide also include networks in Germany and Switzerland. www.ericsson.com/5g

In Germany, Ericsson employs around 2,400 people at 12 sites – including around 1,000 in research and development (R&D). Headquarters are Düsseldorf.

Media contact:

Ericsson GmbH
Martin Ostermaier /// Head of Corporate Communications, Western Europe ///
Prinzenallee 21, 40549 Düsseldorf /// Tel: +49 (0)
1624385676 /// Email: [email protected]

Original content from: Ericsson GmbH, transmitted by news aktuell