As MWC 2025 wrapped up last week, the telecom industry was abuzz with game-changing innovations. While much of the spotlight is on next-gen networks, AI, and 6G readiness, at PICS Telecom, we focus on what these developments mean for network transitions, sustainability, and the circular economy.
We believe that network evolution should be both cost-effective and sustainable. That means recovering value from existing assets, reducing e-waste, and ensuring that legacy infrastructure doesn’t become a burden. Here are the top MWC 2025 launches and announcements that resonate with our mission of driving sustainability in network architecture.
1. NeoCircuit Router: The Future of Circular Telecom Hardware?
Announced by: Deutsche Telekom & Partners
Deutsche Telekom, Fairphone, Citronics, and other partners unveiled the world’s first DSL router built using old smartphone components from devices like Fairphone 2.
The first version of the prototype achieves 70% circularity, and the future housing of the device will be made from 100% recycled materials. Moreover, the reused processors reduce the device’s carbon footprint by 50%.
This announcement aligns with Deutsche Telekom’s commitment to reaching full circularity by 2030. Moreover, this circular approach to telecom hardware is something we at PICS Telecom champion every day. This approach is not only more environmentally friendly than the linear economy, but it’s also a smarter way to optimize investment in network infrastructure.
2. The Rise of Sustainable Data Centres & Storage – Huawei’s Data Innovation Centers
Announced by: Huawei
Huawei launched brand-new Data Storage Innovation Centers – a technical platform to boost innovations in the data storage industry. Its goal is to address the scenario-specific needs of enterprise customers around the world to accelerate their digital transformation.
Huawei built six centers in France, Germany, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, and the UAE. They’re designed to foster a collaborative ecosystem, ensure access to testing resources, and allow customers to make the most out of their data.
Digital transformation initiatives like this one often involve modernizing existing infrastructure to support them. Huawei’s new offerings present a foundation for enterprises to refine their digital strategies, but they also provide an opportunity to manage legacy infrastructures sustainably and profitably. Whether it’s through investment recovery, responsible recycling, or repurposing/refurbishing the hardware, a well-planned approach to asset management ensures that digital transformation is sustainable, as well as cost-effective.
3. Nokia’s AI-RAN Initiative
Announced by: Nokia
Nokia and its partner network revealed significant progress in AI-RAN deployment and optimization, and future architecture. The AI-RAN alliance, revealed at last year’s MWC, has a mission to develop network technology enhanced by AI and infrastructure that supports shared AI and RAN workloads.
This year, Nokia announced the establishment of an AI-RAN Center in Dallas, USA, and its collaboration with partners including KDDI and NVIDIA, aimed to explore AI-RAN’s transformative power, practical applications, and brand-new monetization opportunities for operators.
“We enable the evolution of 5G networks toward a multi-purpose cloud platform that unlocks new revenue models and infrastructure synergies for AI and RAN while already today enhancing RAN performance and efficiency with AI-powered products and services.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.
The establishment and continued work of the AI-RAN alliance have big implications for 5G-powered networks of the future and their commercial viability. However, it’s very likely that adopting AI-RAN will necessitate upgrading existing network infrastructures to support AI capabilities, prompting the transition from legacy systems.
To align with the sustainability initiatives of Nokia and other AI-RAN members, as well as the future adopters, it’s vital to have a strategy in place to deal with this legacy hardware in a way that doesn’t contribute to the problem of e-waste. A circular economy approach will prove essential.
4. Vodafone’s Mission-Critical Emergency Service: The Need for Reliable, Efficient Infrastructure
Announced by: Vodafone
Vodafone launched Europe’s most advanced mission-critical mobile network for emergency services and other first responders, with the first launch taking place in Germany.
Supported by Vodafone’s infrastructure, this network runs over existing 4G and 5G networks, prioritizing voice, data, and video traffic from fire service, police, medical personnel, and other emergency services. Think of it like a vehicle giving priority to an ambulance on the road.
This enhanced infrastructure and prioritized traffic routing will be crucial to the network’s success. It will allow legacy systems like Terrestrial Trunked Radio (Tetra) which require the “push-to-talk” approach, to be phased out.
“Police, firefighters and rescue workers can use our new service to communicate reliably and quickly at any time, and now for the first time, share prioritised data such as photos or videos taken at the scene in real-time.”
Marika Auramo, CEO of Vodafone Business
The next stage of this vital project involves integrating with direct-to-device mobile broadband satellite services for seamless coverage across both land and sea. To make sure that the migration from legacy systems like TETRA doesn’t interrupt the vital work of first responders, Vodafone is working closely with emergency services and IT operators.
This major shift in public safety communications signals the need for large-scale network transitions. Legacy systems would have to be phased out to ensure full compatibility with real-time emergency communication needs. That would mean that legacy hardware would no longer be viable. A circular economy approach that allows for a structured exit strategy for such hardware can support the sustainability goals of both Vodafone and other parties involved.
5. Ericsson’s Next-Gen Radio, Antennas & RAN Products
Announced by: Ericsson
Ericsson’s new portfolio, unveiled at MWC 2025, includes 130 radio products, headlined by the AIR 3266 – a wide-band Massive MIMO mid-band TDD radio with 32 transmitters and receivers (32T/32R). Other hardware includes AIR 3285, AIR 6494 and AIR 3265, Radio 4451HP and Radio 4491, and Indoor Fusion Unit 8828, among others.
These innovations are designed to improve network performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. With the acceleration of 5G adoption around the world, they will help operators deliver high-speed and low-latency connectivity.
However, with every new deployment comes the question of phasing out legacy infrastructure – and these innovations are no exception. Operators will need to replace older radio units, antennas, and RAN hardware that no longer meet efficiency and performance standards.
Ensuring that decommissioned hardware is repurposed effectively while implementing a cost-effective and sustainable upgrade presents both a challenge and an opportunity for operators. A structured circular economy approach can help them recover value from outdated equipment, redirecting assets into secondary markets, refurbishment programs, or responsible recycling initiatives.
By integrating legacy decommissioning into infrastructure rollouts, operators can reduce costs, make huge strides in reaching their CSR goals, and maximize the lifespan of valuable telecom assets.
As next-gen RAN technology takes center stage, ensuring that network transitions are sustainable and financially viable will be just as important as the innovation itself.
Final Thoughts: Where Do We Go From Here?
The telecom industry is advancing rapidly, but sustainability and asset recovery remain key challenges.
At PICS Telecom, we are committed to helping operators, vendors, and enterprises transition to new technologies without waste—ensuring that legacy equipment is repurposed, resold, or responsibly recycled.
- Investment Recovery – Maximizing value from existing telecom assets.
- Sustainable Transitions – Supporting operators in moving to next-gen networks without unnecessary waste.
- Circular Economy Leadership – Ensuring that the telecom industry reuses and repurposes before recycling.
Get in touch with PICS Telecom today to discuss how our telecom sustainability solutions can help you!
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from MWC 2025 and reflects PICS Telecom’s perspective on industry trends. It is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or an endorsement of any specific company, product, or technology mentioned. Our goal is to highlight innovations that align with sustainable network transitions and the circular economy in telecom.