In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Judicael-Vivien Monde, Head of Technology, Mobile Networks - North & West Africa, Nokia, delved into the realm of cutting-edge technologies that are designed to minimize energy consumption. The discussion further unveiled the imminent impact of leveraging massive 5G capacity through Nokia AirScale, shedding light on its growing prominence and the consequential implications for business sustainability.
Nokia’s mobile network innovation accelerates the digitization of physical industries and cities. Can you provide any notable use cases in the MEA region in this regard?
The digitization of port and mining infrastructures, banks (including electronic banking and mobile money), and the introduction of IoT (such as electricity and water bills) into everyday life are driving increased efficiency within state bodies and administrative offices. Citizens can benefit directly from these advancements, accessing various services and documents. For example, they have direct access to certificates or can carry out administrative procedures seamlessly.
This makes road travel less challenging for people living in remote areas, saving time for everyone. Distance education is another example, reducing the illiteracy rate among the population and increasing the education of girls, which used to be quite low in remote villages and corners.
In some countries within the sub-region, it is now possible to establish an online business within 24 to 48 hours, a vision that was unimaginable just a few years ago. This has enabled some countries in the sub-region to get ahead of Western countries. Entrepreneurship among young people and future elites has helped to reduce unemployment in many countries.
Can you explain how connectivity and advanced technologies can reduce energy consumption? What are Nokia's latest solutions addressing this?
These technologies have facilitated the development and implementation of intelligent electrical systems in homes, as well as the digitization of public administration.
Taking Nokia's rural solar solutions as an example, they empower us to connect villages on the outskirts of countries where, in the past, residents were completely isolated due to a lack of electricity. Today, they can sell their agricultural produce without having to travel to cities and have access to remote medical consultations or advice. This is just one example among many.
With applications, they can also connect and have a broader view of the world. They stay more informed (with imagery) compared to ancient times when the radio was their only source of information.
How will activating massive 5G capacity with Nokia AirScale be more evident in the upcoming years? How will this impact business sustainability?
Activating massive 5G capacity with Nokia AirScale will help to anticipate demographic evolution and urban development in the years to come by providing a long-term capacity solution. With Nokia AirScale, energy reduction has allowed companies to decrease their CO2 emissions, participate in recycling, and enhance sustainability by adopting Nokia AirScale products designed with these objectives integrated.
As part of Nokia's mobile networks portfolio, how would you continue to address the growing demands of data centers in the MEA region and optimize IT performance without compromising environmental impact?
Nokia continues to conceptualize cloud solutions designed and deployed with a core focus on environmental protection and sustainability, while safeguarding long-term investments with the necessary growing capacity.
We anticipate the demand in the MEA region, taking into account demographic evolution, future needs, and the adoption of new technologies in the region. In doing so, we incorporate the specific requirements of the MEA region into our mobile products and solutions. End-to-end IT performance is the responsibility of everyone involved in the product or solution chain—from design to deployment. All of which, including IT performance and environmental protection, are inseparable. Given the significance of this region for Nokia and its delicate ecosystem, we cannot lower our guard, and we will continue to invest more in it.
Can you share the progress made regarding Nokia's climate goals for 2023? How will Nokia continue to build capacities for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world in 2024?
We are close to our 2023 climate goals and will continue to work tirelessly to achieve these objectives by the end of this year. This would not be possible without the support of our partners, subcontractors, the entire supply chain, and manufacturing chains, all aligned with our climate goals. To provide a tangible example, we have already exceeded 40% aluminum recycling in Nokia products. Each new product and software from Nokia is designed to reduce energy consumption, a major concern for all. Additionally, through collaborations with our customers, we enable them to achieve their own climate objectives.
Undoubtedly, Nokia will continue to create more efficient capacity solutions for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world in 2024 and beyond. We are part of the Earth's family, and it is the responsibility of each individual and each business in this family to take ecological, climate, and sustainable responsibilities and to assume them for the well-being of our planet.