• Telia has reached its goal with the modernisation of the mobile network, and the company is the first in Norway with a nationwide 5G network
• All base stations have received new network equipment, and Telia has sent the old ones for reuse or recycling
• So far, 35 different countries have reused almost 2,000 parts

Telia has modernised thousands of base stations in recent years, and all have received new equipment that provides completely new 5G and even better capacity on 4G. Customers all over Norway can enjoy fantastic speeds, superb coverage and a stable and secure mobile network. But what happens to old cabinets, circuit boards, antennas, radios, cables and all other large and small parts that make up a base station?

“In connection with the modernisation of our mobile network, large amounts of equipment were generated that we wanted to process in the most sustainable way possible. We have a goal of zero waste by 2030. Therefore, reuse and recycling must be high on the agenda in everything we do, and that of course also includes the 5G modernisation”, says Camilla Watz Johannessen, Head of Sustainability at Telia Norway.

Watz Johannessen continues, “Telia has sent 12,805 used equipment parts after the 5G upgrade to TXO in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The international company is Telia’s reuse and recycling partner, and through its products and services, TXO significantly extends the lifespan of telecom equipment. TXO scans all network equipment that Telia has dismantled, and their system “i-JUDGE” determines whether the units are in such a condition that they can be put into a warehouse for resale and reuse, or whether they should be recycled. Of the 70 tons we have sent to TXO, we have reused 622 parts in our network ourselves, 1,723 parts have been resold, and more than 8,000 parts have been recycled. In total, parts of our network are located in 35 different countries so far”.

Telia has set an industry standard

Kelsie Raynes is Key Account Director at TXO and believes that Telia has a leading position in sustainability work for the telecom sector when it comes to extending the lifespan of network equipment:

“It has been a pleasure to work with Telia and their sustainability work, and the collaboration has enabled us to set an industry standard. Telia has always been forward-thinking and is taking the lead in promoting sustainable solutions for the telecom sector. Their contribution goes beyond selling used equipment into the circular economy; they also reuse their own equipment and buy refurbished products from TXO. This approach enables Telia to maintain their network in an environmentally friendly way by extending its lifespan while minimising waste,” she says.

“Sustainable practices among operators are on the rise. When we discuss with potential customers and customers who want to adopt more sustainable approaches to their networks, we often highlight Telia as a good example of best practice.”