In the latest article published on The Fast Mode, David Evans, Head of Global Asset Recovery and Services at TXO, explores how 2025 will be a pivotal year for circularity in the telecoms industry. Operators worldwide are recognising the environmental and financial benefits of recovering, reusing, and reselling network equipment rather than relying solely on new hardware.
One of the biggest drivers of this shift is the ongoing 2G and 3G network shutdowns. As these legacy networks are decommissioned, significant volumes of telecom equipment will enter the circular economy. Forward-thinking operators are already taking advantage of this, recovering and reselling equipment to maximise value while reducing waste.
Beyond network shutdowns, operators are also setting ambitious targets to embed circularity into their long-term strategies. Many leading telecoms companies are not just recycling old hardware but actively incorporating refurbished equipment into their networks. With second-user equipment offering cost savings of up to 90% compared to new, the financial incentive to embrace a circular model is becoming hard to ignore.
Supply chain changes are also playing a role. The challenges of recent years, including global disruptions and increasing pressure to meet ESG goals, have encouraged operators to rethink how they source equipment. OEMs are starting to adapt by introducing circular economy programmes, helping to drive more sustainable procurement practices across the industry.
At TXO, we’ve seen first-hand how circular economy principles can deliver commercial, operational, and environmental benefits. The shift towards a more circular telecoms industry is gaining momentum, and 2025 is set to be a major step forward.