For many carrier-neutral operators, energy is largest operational expense and can account for up to 80% of opex (ex-D&A); costs surged in 2022 for many
This brief presents data on energy spending by operators of cell towers, data centers, and fiber networks, and discusses the implications of the data and likely future directions. Utilities represent a large portion of operating expenses for these infrastructure-focused companies, which we track as “carrier-neutral network operators” (CNNOs). CNNOs also spend more than other types of operators. Webscale spending on power is miniscule relative to their size, less than 1% of opex (ex-D&A). Telcos spend a few % of opex (ex-D&A) on utilities. But CNNOs can spend more than 30% and up to 80% of opex (ex-D&A) on utilities.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- CNNOs are more energy-intensive than other operator types
- Sustainability in networks needs to start with CNNOs
- Implications
- Appendix
List of Figures
Figure 1: Power intensity by operator type (MWh consumed per US$1M in revenue)
Figure 2: Utilities spend as a % of opex (excluding depreciation & amortization), 2020-22
Figure 3: Utilities vs. D&A costs as a percentage of total opex, 2022
Companies Mentioned
- America Movil
- AT&T
- Bharti Infratel (Indus)
- Cellnex
- China Tower
- ChinData
- Chorus Limited
- Ciena
- Crown Castle
- CyrusOne
- Digital Realty
- GDS Data Centers
- Helios Towers
- IHS Towers
- QTS Realty
- Sarana Menara Nusantara
- Switch
- TDF Infrastructure/Arcus
- Telefonica
- Teraco
- Verizon
