Time For Green Technologies To Blossom

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BMI View: Telecoms operators in emerging markets rely heavily on diesel generators to power their base transceiver stations (BTS) in both urban and rural regions (more so in the latter) due to inadequate power grid infrastructure coverage and unreliable energy supply. While diesel-powered BTS are relatively cheap to set up, the legacy technology carries downsides such as an exposure to oil price fluctuations and environmental pollution, which is a growing global concern as seen by the increasing number of carbon taxes being introduced (most recent notable example is Australia's carbon tax law, which will be imposed on the country's top 500 polluters beginning July). We believe that there should be a greater push for green technologies (renewable and energy-efficient) in the telecoms industry to reduce long-term operating costs, which are expected to surge as operators expand network coverage via wireless means.