As Hungary’s first mobile telecommunications infrastructure provider, CETIN Hungary has a longstanding commitment to sustainable data transmission. Our sustainability strategy consists of four distinct, yet interconnected pillars. The technological pillar is the backbone of our existence, through which we design, build, and operate high-quality networks. We also offer innovative solutions in the field of security. Through the environmental pillar, we strive to minimize the impact of our business activities on the environment, going beyond legal and other requirements. Our social pillar focuses on people. In addition to our extensive well-being program and regular charitable and sponsorship activities, supporting young people is close to our hearts. The STEMpowered by CETIN free talent program aims to support young girls before they make career choices, helping them see technical and technology-related professions as real and attractive opportunities.

As part of the environmental pillar, the comprehensive sustainability program CETIN5Green, launched in 2023, aims to reduce the energy demand of mobile infrastructure services per unit of data traffic, despite the increase caused by changing consumer needs (e.g., the spread of AI) and the dynamic growth of business and machine-to-machine (IoT) communication.

The program was awarded the “Sustainable Infocommunication” Professional Excellence Award, established by ICT Global and granted by a professional jury, in 2025.

The concept and solution

Across the program’s five pillars — mobile network modernization, energy management, modernization of energy supply, data center modernization, and transformation of cooling systems – we systematically pushed the boundaries of established industry best practices through deliberate experimentation. Our goal was to find forward-looking solutions that go beyond conventional practices and the sector’s minimum expectations, creating real, long-term sustainability value. To achieve this, we aimed to identify innovative tools capable of increasing energy efficiency without compromising customer experience or service levels.

1. Mobile network modernization:

We are rolling out full-featured 5G technology in the C-band, delivering significantly higher energy efficiency compared to previous technologies.

2. Efficient network energy management:

Dynamic, optimized energy-saving operation of radio and transmission equipment (2G/4G/5G), using methods that intervene at multiple levels of network operation. We optimize base station energy consumption without degrading consumer experience.

3. Modernization of energy supply:

Introduction of more energy-efficient systems through equipment replacement.

4. Modernization of data centers:

Coordinated optimization and adjustment of servers and server usage to actual, current needs.

5. Transformation of cooling systems at base stations and data centers:

This involves not only modernizing equipment (air conditioner replacement and introduction of free cooling) but also innovative solutions such as controlled increases in permissible temperature within safe limits, thereby reducing cooling energy consumption.

Our results

Energy efficiency: Based on aggregated data, alongside exponential growth in data volume, energy consumption per 1 GB decreased by nearly half (47.62%) in two years by 2024. With the CETIN 5Green program, by the end of 2024, we saved a total of 9.9 GWh of electricity annually across all our activities, equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 4,500 average Hungarian households.

Network modernization: We have completed the modernization of our network infrastructure. Across the entire ecosystem — not just in part — we replaced and upgraded our equipment and infrastructure, and we are broadly implementing high-capacity 5G network enabling comprehensive energy efficiency.

Social impact: The uniqueness of the program lies in placing energy efficiency at the core of development and operation. Energy-saving thinking and the integrated implementation of these solutions are therefore an indispensable part of network planning and operation processes.

CETIN Hungary aims to set an example of how a large technology company can make its operations more sustainable while creating business and social value. The program does not stop here — we continue working toward even greener and universally accessible data networks.