Indosat Teams with Nokia to Slash Energy Use Using AI—Without Compromising Performance
In a bold move to merge sustainability with digital transformation, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has partnered with Nokia to roll out an AI-powered energy efficiency solution across its radio access network (RAN)—a deployment that could redefine how mobile networks balance performance with environmental responsibility.
The solution, aptly named Nokia Energy Efficiency, taps into the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to dynamically shut down unused or idle radio equipment during low-traffic hours. It’s all part of a broader strategy to curb carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and modernize operations without affecting user experience.
For Indosat, this is more than a cost-saving measure—it’s a defining step in its evolution from a traditional telco into an AI-powered TechCo, bringing Indonesia closer to a digitally intelligent, greener future.
AI With a Mission: Smarter Networks, Lower Emissions
What sets Nokia’s solution apart is its real-time traffic analytics and intelligent thermal management—all delivered as a SaaS offering. That means no expensive hardware upgrades, no software patching marathons, and no need for boots on the ground. Just smarter, leaner network operations straight out of the cloud.
The platform’s multi-vendor compatibility also ensures that Indosat can deploy it across its diverse infrastructure with minimal disruption. The pilot program’s success has already led to a full rollout across key regions, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Central and East Java.
“This collaboration reflects Indosat’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation,” said Desmond Cheung, CTO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison. “We’re using AI to not only optimize performance but also reduce emissions and energy use across our network.”
Not Just Greenwashing—Certifications and Results
Indosat isn’t new to sustainability efforts. It was the first operator in Southeast Asia to earn ISO 50001 certification for energy management—a sign that the company’s environmental initiatives are backed by measurable performance, not just PR.
The partnership with Nokia builds on that credibility. During live pilot tests, the AI solution demonstrated clear reductions in energy consumption without impacting service quality, reinforcing the viability of large-scale autonomous energy management in telco environments.
Why It Matters: A Smarter Path for Emerging Markets
Telecom operators in developing nations are under increasing pressure to expand coverage while managing rising power demands. AI-driven solutions like Nokia’s could prove critical—not just for keeping operational costs in check, but for reducing the environmental toll of rapidly scaling digital infrastructure.
Nokia’s approach is also emblematic of a larger industry shift. The company’s Autonomous Networks portfolio, which includes the Autonomous Networks Fabric, aims to deliver agentic AI capabilities across observability, automation, security, and analytics. Think of it as the neural network for the physical network—intelligent, adaptive, and vendor-agnostic.
“Our Energy Efficiency solution reflects the R&D investments we continue to make to help our customers reduce energy costs and optimize network performance,” said Henrique Vale, VP of Cloud and Network Services, Nokia APAC.
The Bigger Picture: Telco Meets TechCo
Indosat’s transformation narrative—from legacy telco to AI-first digital platform—mirrors broader trends sweeping the telecom industry. As data traffic skyrockets and sustainability becomes a business imperative, network operators are being forced to rethink legacy infrastructure.
AI and cloud-native technologies aren’t just nice-to-have anymore; they’re essential for delivering personalized, scalable, and environmentally responsible services. Indosat is showing how it’s done—by embedding intelligence into the fabric of its operations, not just layering it on top.
This is one of the first regional-scale implementations of this kind in Southeast Asia. And if it continues to deliver results, expect other operators to follow suit—especially as governments and regulators push for stricter climate targets.
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