Table of Contents:

• The Trial and Its Outcomes
• Features That Improved the Trial
• Benefits of AI in 5G Energy Efficiency
• Challenges in Implementing AI for Energy Efficiency
• Future Directions
• Conclusion
• FAQ

vodafone ericsson AI 5g energy efficiency

Did you know that your mobile network is a substantial consumer of energy? In response, Vodafone UK is working with Ericsson – they are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to create 5G networks that consume less power. This partnership has significantly lowered power use, an important move toward greener telecommunications.

The Trial and Its Outcomes

In March 2025, Vodafone UK, in partnership with Ericsson, announced successful trial results from several London locations. The test was designed to cut the daily power consumption of 5G Radio Units using AI as well as ML-based solutions. The results were impressive: power usage dropped by up to 33%! And that was achieved without sacrificing user experience.^[1][2][3]

The trial used Ericsson’s Service Continuity AI App suite, which includes Intelligent Energy Efficiency.

This software intelligently manages power use in the radio access network (RAN) based on real-time traffic information. By using AI along with ML, the system is able to optimize how energy is spent, also making certain that network performance remains top-notch.^[2][5]

Features That Improved the Trial

These are a few features that were implemented during the trial, features which helped reach those gains in energy savings:

• 5G Deep Sleep– During low-traffic times, the radios enter an ultra-low energy hibernation mode. This dramatically reduces energy usage.
• 4G Cell Sleep Mode Orchestration– Sleep parameters are optimized. This balances energy savings against network performance. It makes certain the network stays effective while reducing downtime.
• Radio Power Efficiency Heatmap– A visual map of the network is created. It pinpoints underperforming sites where improvements may be applied. It helps in measuring energy consumption, predicting it, not to mention optimizing it across the network.^[5]

Together, these features keep energy consumption at its lowest without impacting the service that users receive.

Benefits of AI in 5G Energy Efficiency

When you integrate AI along with ML into 5G networks, you get a lot of benefits:

• Dynamic Management– AI assesses real-time data in order to adjust power usage depending on network usage trends dynamically. This makes certain that energy is used more effectively, reducing waste if demand is low.
• Cost Savings– By lowering power consumption, operators can lower their operating expenditure (OPEX), that includes energy expenses. Over the long term, this results in large financial savings.
• Environmental Impact– With lower energy consumption comes reduced carbon emissions. That contributes to a more sustainable telecommunications division. It also aligns with global efforts to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas releases.
• Enhanced Network Performance– AI is capable of optimizing network performance. It accomplishes this by allocating resources productively. This results in users getting dependable, consistent quality of service, although energy consumption is also reduced.^[2][5]

Challenges in Implementing AI for Energy Efficiency

The use of AI to improve 5G energy efficiency is promising, but there are challenges for you to consider:

• Complexity of AI Systems– Applying AI solutions calls for significant skill and infrastructure. Some operators might find integrating AI into present network systems too complex.
• Data Quality plus Availability– AI systems need high-quality data to make reliable decisions. For effective AI-driven energy control, real-time data availability and reliability are necessary.
• Scalability– Because networks grow, AI systems need to be able to scale effectively to handle increased complexity as well as data quantities.

Future Directions

The success of the Vodafone UK, also Ericsson trial stresses the potential of AI in boosting 5G energy efficiency. Because the telecommunications sector is continually developing, more widespread adoption of AI-driven solutions is expected. Developments for the future could include:

• Advanced AI Algorithms– Additional progress in AI might create more complex energy control systems. These systems would be able to anticipate, and respond to, changing network conditions more successfully.
• Integration with Other Technologies– Combining AI with new technologies like edge computing, not to mention IoT, might further improve network effectiveness also sustainability.
• Global Adoption– Trials like the ones run by Vodafone as well as Ericsson were a success, so other operators around the globe may be encouraged to follow similar tactics. This would lead to a general decrease in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Vodafone UK together with Ericsson shows the potential for AI as well as ML in enhancing the energy efficiency of 5G networks. Telecommunications firms can lower their impact on the environment while keeping up top-notch service by using these technologies. As the industry goes on being inventive, more effective, sustainable, or technologically sophisticated networks that are helpful for the users and the environment can be expected.

FAQ

What is AI-driven energy efficiency in 5G networks?

It involves using artificial intelligence and machine learning to manage and optimize power consumption in 5G networks, reducing energy use without compromising network performance.

What were the results of the Vodafone plus Ericsson trial?

The trial achieved a reduction of up to 33% in the daily power consumption of 5G Radio Units without affecting user experience.

What are some of the challenges in implementing AI for energy efficiency?

Challenges include the complexity of AI systems, ensuring the quality and availability of real-time data, and scaling AI systems as networks expand.

Resources & References:

1. https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2025/vodafone-uk-and-ericsson-trial-ai-solutions-for-improved-5g-energy-efficiency
2. https://www.vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/press-release/ericsson-trial-ai-for-improved-5g-energy-efficiency/
3. https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/vodafone-ericsson-harnessing-ai-for-5g-energy-efficiency
4. https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/2eiwtefbdarcfq0is64g0/news/vodafone-and-ericsson-cut-5g-power-consumption
5. https://www.geo-tel.com/maximizing-5g-energy-efficiency/