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Case studies • •

Author: adele.mitchell

Monetising 4G Base Station Equipment with TXO

With the shift to 5G, a leading Polish network operator faced the challenge of managing obsolete 4G infrastructure. Partnering with TXO, they transformed surplus equipment into €260K in revenue through an innovative resale and recycling model—with further potential ahead.

Challenge

A leading mobile and fixed network operator in Poland faced a significant challenge with the transition to 5G technology. While maintaining its leadership in technology, the company was burdened with a vast amount of obsolete 4G base station equipment left in buildings and facilities across its nationwide network. The challenge was twofold:

  • Monetising excess 4G base stations and radio modules after their replacement with 5G technology.
  • Efficiently managing and disposing of obsolete equipment while ensuring environmental compliance and maximising financial returns.

Solution

To address this challenge, TXO provided a comprehensive solution encompassing reuse, resale, and recycling of surplus 4G radio modules. The uniqueness of TXO’s approach in the Polish market included:

  • Guaranteed revenue model: A commission-based agreement ensured immediate financial benefits, with a minimum guaranteed revenue (MGR) payable in advance.
  • International resale strategy: A dual-use export model enabled global resale of surplus equipment, giving TXO a competitive advantage unique to the Polish market.
  • Streamlined consignment process: TXO worked with the operator to establish an EU-compliant consignment model, ensuring adherence to all export control regulations.
  • Efficient logistics: TXO’s hub in Sweden was chosen as the primary location for handling this project due to its proximity to Poland, reducing transport emissions and improving resale efficiency.
  • Environmental impact: By prioritising resale and recycling, TXO helped divert 100 tonnes of electronic waste from landfills, significantly reducing the operator’s environmental footprint.
  • Strengthening long-term collaboration: Building on a frame contract from 2017, this initiative accelerated the resale and consignment process in response to evolving market conditions.
  • Future growth opportunities: The successful partnership creates a foundation for further projects, including the monetisation of other legacy technologies within the operator’s infrastructure.

Results

Thanks to TXO’s solution, the operator has achieved remarkable financial and operational outcomes:

Total revenue: €260K, including:

  • €64K from direct purchases for FY25
  • €196K from consignment sales so far
  • Minimum €100K expected in 4Q FY25
  • Further resale potential for 1,500 high-value modules, actively marketed for FY25/26.
  • Upcoming batch (+30 tonnes) set for processing in FY25, driving further revenue growth.

Conclusion

Through its strategic partnership with TXO, the operator has successfully transformed a logistical and financial burden into a profitable, scalable model for managing surplus telecom equipment. With a robust resale and recycling strategy, the operator not only maximises revenue but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency in the evolving telecommunications landscape.