Vodafone UK and Ericsson have successfully reduced the daily power consumption of 5G radio units by up to 33% in trial sites across London, in a development for network energy efficiency.
The achievement marks a significant step in cutting operational costs and lowering carbon emissions without compromising user experience.
The success stems from a trial of Ericsson’s AI and machine learning (ML) solutions, which dynamically manage network power usage. By integrating the Service Continuity AI App suite with Intelligent Energy Efficiency, Vodafone UK has demonstrated the potential of smart automation to optimize energy consumption across its 5G infrastructure.
AI-Powered Energy-Saving Features
During the trial, Vodafone UK deployed three key AI-driven solutions:
–5G Deep Sleep: AI-powered algorithms enable radios to enter a low-energy hibernation state, saving up to 70% of energy during off-peak hours.
–4G Cell Sleep Mode Orchestration: A behavioral model that optimizes cell sleep parameters to balance energy savings with performance.
–Radio Power Efficiency Heatmap: A visual tool that uses ML to analyze network cells, identifying underperforming sites for targeted energy efficiency improvements.
These innovations ensure that network components power down during quieter periods while instantly reactivating when demand surges, maximizing efficiency while maintaining service quality.
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Industry Leaders Applaud the Breakthrough
Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone UK, emphasized the financial and environmental benefits of the initiative:
“By working with Ericsson to apply these innovative software solutions, we’re able to significantly improve energy efficiency without impacting the service our customers receive. Reducing power consumption at our trial sites is a big win and shows we can continue to enhance efficiency as we expand 5G coverage across the UK.”
Echoing this sentiment, Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, highlighted the broader implications for the telecom industry:
“It’s exciting to see how our work with Vodafone UK is making a real difference. Our ability to significantly reduce network energy consumption while maintaining high performance standards is a testament to the innovation and expertise of our combined teams.”
Towards a More Sustainable Network
With energy efficiency a growing priority for telecom providers, Vodafone UK’s successful trial underscores the transformative potential of AI and automation in making networks smarter and more sustainable. As the company continues to roll out 5G nationwide, these advancements signal a greener, more cost-effective future for mobile connectivity.
