Deutsche Telekom has achieved energy savings of up to 65 percent in its mobile core network through a demand-driven resource control model and hardware optimization strategy. The initiative combines intelligent software-based management with energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce power consumption across all layers of the 5G core.
The German telecom operator developed the sustainability-focused concept in collaboration with key technology partners including Lenovo, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Advanced Micro Devices, and Mavenir. Initial live network tests have been successfully completed, and broader deployment is planned in the next phase.
Intelligent energy management in the 5G core
Deutsche Telekom said efficiency gains are no longer driven solely by next-generation hardware but increasingly by intelligent, software-based orchestration of network resources.
“In initial live tests, we achieved up to a 65 percent reduction in energy consumption within the core network. Efficiency is no longer driven solely by new hardware but also by intelligent, software-based management,” said Abdu Mudesir, Board Member Product and Technology at Deutsche Telekom.
Within the 5G core network, Telekom continuously monitors utilization levels, identifies traffic patterns, and dynamically allocates computing and network resources based on real-time demand. Instead of running continuously, components are activated only when required. This marks a shift toward granular energy optimization, where each service and infrastructure element is managed for maximum efficiency.
Full Stack Energy Efficiency model
At the center of the initiative is a holistic framework referred to as “Full Stack Energy Efficiency.” Unlike conventional approaches that optimize individual components in isolation, Telekom’s model addresses energy consumption across the entire technology stack.
The structured, layered architecture maps every level of a 5G service, from servers and processors to networking, operating systems, cloud infrastructure, and the 5G core itself. This enables targeted optimization at each layer while accounting for interdependencies.
For example, software adjustments can directly influence hardware utilization and overall energy demand. By understanding these relationships, Telekom can reduce power consumption more precisely and at scale.
Partner ecosystem drives hardware and software optimization
Each technology partner plays a defined role in the energy efficiency initiative. Lenovo provides optimized server hardware designed for improved power performance. Hewlett Packard Enterprise delivers energy-efficient networking components. Advanced Micro Devices contributes energy-efficient EPYC processors and supporting software layers. Mavenir supplies 5G software features that are being deployed in Telekom’s live network for the first time.
The combined approach ensures optimization at both the hardware and software levels, enabling coordinated energy savings throughout the core infrastructure.
Horizontal Telco Cloud enables scalable efficiency
A key enabler of Telekom’s strategy is its unified cloud architecture, known as the “Horizontal Telco Cloud.” This standardized platform replaces multiple standalone systems with a shared environment for all network services.
By decoupling network functions from proprietary hardware stacks, Telekom can introduce, scale, and update services independently. This reduces operational complexity and accelerates innovation while enabling consistent energy optimization across the core network.
The Horizontal Telco Cloud is built on open standards and open-source components and has been developed in collaboration with partners such as Amdocs, HPE, Mavenir, and Nokia. It also lays the foundation for AI-driven network operations, including predictive algorithms that can anticipate traffic loads and proactively power up deactivated components when needed.
Automation and AI are embedded directly into the infrastructure, allowing Telekom to transition toward intelligent, dynamic control of energy consumption.
“Zero Bits, Zero Watts” strategy
The initiative aligns with Deutsche Telekom’s sustainability strategy to make networks more efficient, flexible, and demand-driven. The guiding principle is “Zero Bits, Zero Watts,” meaning that when no data is being transmitted, energy consumption should be minimized.
This approach supports the company’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining high service reliability and network quality. In 2025, Deutsche Telekom became the first multinational telecommunications operator to achieve full carbon neutrality in its own operations.
Further details on the Full Stack Energy Efficiency framework and the Horizontal Telco Cloud will be presented at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, where Telekom will host panel discussions on energy-efficient core networks and cloud transformation.