Leading mobile operators in APAC are setting ambitious net-zero targets, investing heavily in renewable energy, and embedding circular economy principles into their operations. For these companies, sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement to a core strategic pillar, influencing financing decisions, infrastructure investments, and product design. These leaders typically operate in markets with high ESG transparency and strong capital availability, such as Singapore, China, and South Korea.

If compliance is not the main driver, the two biggest push factors of greater sustainability efforts by mobile operators are strong youth support for environmentally conscious brands and practices, and energy-efficiency approaches that help alleviate their biggest cost burden. These factors are hard to ignore as they coincide with key revenue and cost drivers. Other push factors include investor pressure, regulatory requirements, and the broader corporate strategy to create long-term value and manage climate-related risks.

The future of mobile services will be proactive, data-driven, and user-centric, delivered over energy-efficient networks. While 5G-Advanced and AI-driven power management are key enablers of sustainability, not all operators will adopt 5G immediately. The transition toward sustainable operations—whether on 4G or 4G+5G—is inevitable and offers clear benefits. Acting as a green enabler for other industries and driving Scope 3 decarbonization will be a critical advantage for operators in this journey.

Author: Mei Lee Quah