This week’s Carbon Pricing Scheme announcements have stirred debate amongst many sectors of our community, none more so that the business sector which will feel the impact of the tax in the hip pocket and on their balance sheets.

In the Mobile Telecommunications’ Industry, increasing network capacity and improving network coverage have resulted in an increase in energy use in the order of 10% per year. Not only are Mobile Carriers facing costs associated with increased network energy usage, the cost of electricity is rising steeply. These drivers will ultimately lead to a greater focus on reducing energy consumption. Although some increases in energy consumption will be unavoidable, by employing energy efficient technology and design, mobile carriers can service more subscribers with less energy, reducing emissions intensity and managing cost risk.

In response to the Industry’s search for energy efficient solutions, The Mobile Carriers Forum (MCF), a division of AMTA, is piloting an online Energy Efficiency Training Program which is the product of 12 months research and development.

The Program explores key issues affecting energy-related business decisions in the mobile telecommunications industry and business drivers that telecommunications companies are responding to around the world that demand energy efficiency be integrated into business decisions.

The Pilot Training Modules can be accessed here.

Following the Pilot, the MCF has chosen to launch the Program at the ‘Smart Power for Smart Telecom Networks’ Conference and Workshop Series, at the Westin Sydney on 12-13 September 2011. The conference, which highlights how energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives can provide cost-effective solutions will bring together executives, senior management, and project managers from the Telecommunications and Infrastructure Industries. In addition to the launch, several of the MCF Energy Efficiency Training Modules will be conducted as part of the Workshop Series.

Registrations for ‘Smart Power for Smart Telecom Networks’ Conference have opened and MCF and AMTA members receive a 20% discount on Total Conference Registrations with a further early bird discount available until 5th August 2011.

Register here.