'Green' telecom:Trai seeks stakeholders' views

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday sought stakeholder views on ways to check carbon emissions, promote energy efficient technologies and manage e-waste in view of rapid growth in the sector.

The continued growth in the communications sector, especially mobile subscriber base, is expected to push further the level of energy consumption by networks, Trai said while releasing a consultation paper 'Green Telecommunications'.

"According to industry estimates, the total consumption of diesel for telecom tower equipment powering and cooling, is about two billion litres which produces about 5.3 million litres of carbon dioxide annually," Trai said.

"This is bringing into focus the need for energy efficient equipment and use of renewable sources of energy.

"In this context Trai has issued this consultation paper", it added.

The exercise aims at estimating and reducing carbon footprint of the Indian telecom sector, evolving framework for carbon credit policy, promoting energy efficient devices and utilising renewable sources of energy and managing e-waste.

Trai said the discussions are expected to result in defining various standards and testing/certification of products and services as to whether they qualify as 'green'.

Stakeholders are also expected to deliberate on financial and non-financial incentives, which can be provided to support manufacturers and service providers in reducing carbon footprint.

Last date for receiving written comments and counter points are March 7 and March 21, 2011, respectively.