GSMA report: Mobile industry cuts operational carbon emissions 13% since 2019, but net zero path requires faster renewable energy deployment

The global mobile industry reduced operational carbon emissions by 13 percent between 2019 and 2024, even as data traffic more than quadrupled, according to a new GSMA report. The Mobile Net Zero 2026 report analyzed data from over 110 operators representing 85 percent of global connections. It found that renewable energy use rose from 10 percent to 24 percent of electricity consumption, with operators sourcing 70 terawatt-hours of renewable power in 2024. Europe and North America led with over 50 percent cuts, while sub-Saharan Africa reduced emissions by 30 percent. Despite progress, the GSMA warns the current pace is insufficient to meet the industry's science-based target of a 45 percent reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Supply chain emissions (Scope 3) remain the biggest challenge, accounting for about three-quarters of the total footprint. The report calls on policymakers to accelerate renewable energy deployment, modernize electricity markets, and recognize telecom networks as critical infrastructure for climate resilience.