GSMA Report: Mobile Operators Cut Carbon Emissions 13% Since 2019, But Faster Action Needed for Net Zero

The GSMA's Mobile Net Zero 2026 report shows mobile network operators cut operational carbon emissions by 13% between 2019 and 2024, even as connections grew 10% and data traffic quadrupled. In 2024 alone, emissions dropped 5%, double the average annual reduction from previous years. Renewable energy procurement was the main driver, with operators sourcing 70 TWh of clean electricity in 2024, up from 10% of corporate electricity in 2019 to 24% in 2024. European operators lead at 70% renewables, while North America and Latin America trail at 50% and 45% respectively. Scope 3 supply chain emissions make up roughly 75% of the sector's total carbon footprint. Less than a quarter of the largest tower companies have validated near-term science-based targets, despite operating 4 million sites and burning over 2 billion litres of diesel in 2024. The GSMA urges governments to liberalize electricity markets, streamline permitting for renewables, and incentivize equipment repair to accelerate decarbonization. With 81 operators now holding science-based targets, the industry has a foundation but must speed up to meet the 45% reduction goal by 2030.