Ericsson and Beyon have strengthened their partnership with the renewal of their collaboration, further deepening their commitment to sustainability through the expansion of their joint initiatives aimed at creating energy-efficient networks in Bahrain. This strategic partnership underscores the companies’ joint dedication to advancing circular economy practices, reducing environmental footprints, and promoting sustainability in the telecommunications industry. It also highlights their continued role as leaders in the field of critical digital infrastructure and the emerging green economy in the Middle East.
This renewed collaboration builds on the initial success of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in early 2024, marking a significant step in Beyon’s sustainability journey. The MoU was designed to address key environmental challenges, specifically energy consumption and carbon emissions, across Batelco’s network, which is part of the Beyon Group. By leveraging Ericsson’s cutting-edge sustainable solutions, the partnership has already made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of Batelco’s operations, aligning with both companies’ broader objectives of achieving Net Zero emissions and minimizing the management of Waste from Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE).
One of the most notable achievements from this collaboration is the reduction of energy consumption across Batelco’s network by 30 percent. This impressive energy savings was largely driven by the deployment of Ericsson’s advanced 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) product, the Radio 6646. This next-generation, triple-band, tri-sector radio is designed to replace up to nine radios, significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining high-quality connectivity. This innovative solution not only optimizes space on towers and rooftops but also reduces the overall energy demand of the network, enabling Batelco to meet the growing demands for mobile data services while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Furthermore, Ericsson’s energy-saving software solutions, including Cell Sleep Mode and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered MIMO Sleep Mode, were successfully implemented at pilot sites. These features have resulted in an additional 22 percent reduction in energy consumption on sites where they were activated, demonstrating the powerful potential of intelligent software to optimize network operations. In addition, the deployment of the single-antenna footprint Interleaved AIR 3218, replacing the older AIR 3227, provided an additional 18 percent energy reduction, highlighting the importance of both hardware and software innovations in driving efficiency.
The partnership is also making a significant impact in the realm of circular economy practices. As part of the e-waste management efforts, the companies have launched an initiative under the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program, designed to ensure that end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment is responsibly and sustainably recycled. This program is vital in reducing the environmental impact of outdated equipment and plays a crucial role in Beyon’s broader commitment to responsible waste management and sustainability. By recycling and reusing components, the partnership is actively contributing to reducing the environmental burden of electronic waste, which is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.
In addition to the tangible benefits of energy efficiency and e-waste recycling, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and capacity building. Monthly expert-led sessions bring together global thought leaders and sustainability experts to discuss critical topics such as climate action, circularity, and the collaborative efforts required to achieve Net Zero goals. These knowledge exchange sessions provide valuable insights into how companies can scale their sustainability initiatives and drive meaningful change across industries, further accelerating progress towards a sustainable future.
Shaikh Bader bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Beyon’s Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, spoke to the success and significance of the partnership, saying, “Our partnership with Ericsson demonstrates the substantial progress that can be made through focused sustainability initiatives. The outcomes of this collaboration reflect our unwavering commitment to energy efficiency and our goal to reduce our environmental footprint through the adoption of innovative technologies and circular economy practices. This also aligns perfectly with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s broader vision to achieve its sustainable development goals by 2030.”
Nicolas Blixell, Vice President and Head of Gulf Council Countries at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, highlighted the broader impact of the partnership, stating, “The successful outcomes of our collaboration with Beyon showcase the critical role that technologies and innovation play in achieving sustainability goals. By combining Ericsson’s expertise in sustainable network solutions with Beyon’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, we have been able to deliver measurable results in energy savings, thereby supporting Beyon’s journey toward Net Zero. This partnership also sets a clear example of how telecommunications companies can drive sustainability across their operations.”
The collaboration between Ericsson and Beyon builds on a longstanding and successful relationship, especially through Batelco, which has seen both companies working together on various initiatives over the years. This sustainability-focused collaboration marks a new milestone in their efforts to enhance network efficiency, environmental performance, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. As the telecommunications sector continues to evolve, these kinds of partnerships play an essential role in shaping a greener, more sustainable digital future, particularly in regions like the Middle East, where there is significant growth in mobile connectivity and increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
The combined efforts of Ericsson and Beyon not only contribute to the companies’ environmental targets but also serve as a leading example of how telecommunications providers can drive innovation and sustainability while meeting the growing demands of consumers and businesses. As both companies continue to work together on achieving their sustainability goals, their collaboration offers a promising path toward a low-carbon future and sets a standard for how industries can embrace sustainable practices at scale.