UAE Consults on Green Telecommunications

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a public consultation document on the adoption of Green ICT practices (الممارسات الخضراء لتكنولوجيا الاتصالات). The document is a concise six pages, with 13 questions. As far as I know, this is the first time a national telecommunications regulator has asked about green ICT. Comments are invited by 12 July 2011.

1.0 Introduction:

In the past few years, the ICT industry has started to adopt environmentally-friendly strategies and many telecom operators have started to implement a green approach by deploying alternative energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions and decrease the negative impact on the environment.

It is estimated that the ICT industry contributes around 2.0 - 2.5% of global green house gas (GHG) emissions. Unless action is taken within the Industry, these percentages are likely to grow as ICT becomes more widely deployed.

The TRA is seeking to play a vital role in leading the ICT sector in UAE to implement green policies and practices thereby reducing the percentage of GHG emissions from the ICT industry. Further, the TRA wishes to study how ICT can help in reducing GHG emissions from other sectors.

As a start, the TRA would like to consult with stakeholders on the best approach, practices and rules that the TRA should adopt when it comes to green ICT within the UAE.

2.0 Main Points for Consultation:

The TRA has started its research into green ICT, and would now like to receive comments and input from the industry on the following Questions:

Question 1: What do you see as the roles of the TRA and Telecom operators in reducing GHG emissions in the UAE?

Question 2: What standard techniques would you suggest are appropriate for the calculation of the carbon footprint of UAE ICT industry?

Question 3: Do you believe that the TRA should promote technologies with reduced power consumption (NGN is consuming 40% less power as per ITU)?

Question 4: Do you agree that the TRA should issue regulations to secure a reduction in GHG emissions from the ICT industry?

Question 5: Should the TRA align its methodologies with those being developed by standardization bodies such as ETSI and ITU?

Question 6: How can the ICT industry play a vital rule in reducing GHG emissions in other sectors?

Question 7: Should the TRA cooperate with local universities regarding studies related to climate change and reducing GHG emissions?

Question 8: Do you have any specific proposals regarding the adoption and use of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the ICT sector in order to monitor the improvements?

Question 9: Do you have any specific suggestions regarding the steps to be taken by the Telecom Operators in planning/implementing green networks?

Question 10: Do you have any specific views on Rating Standards for measuring the energy efficiency in ICT sector?

Question 11: Is there a need to establish an industry forum to address the items for green ICT? If so, who should be represented on such a forum?

Question 12: In your opinion, which is the most appropriate body or bodies for building awareness among all stakeholders on the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

Question 13: Do you wish to make any other comments regarding this initiative by the TRA?

From: Public Consultation on Green ICT, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, United Arab Emirates, 9 May 2011