By the end of the decade, this number is expected to nearly double, approaching 5.65 billion1. And the industry is already setting its sights on 6G, with many regions aiming for rollout by 20302.
As 5G networks expand rapidly - and 6G looms on the horizon - the upgrade and replacement of telecom infrastructure is surging. The process often involves the resale, reuse, dismantling, and/or recycling of decommissioned components.
To manage this complex circular flow, a well-coordinated system is essential. Reverse logistics, powered by returnable packaging and digital tracking, provides a structured approach to distributing, recovering, refurbishing, and redeploying telecom equipment. Follow along to see exactly how this process drives efficiency, reduces waste, and maximizes the value of telecom infrastructure at every stage.
Reverse Logistics Driving Sustainability and Efficiency in Telecom Supply Chains
Reverse logistics moves products beyond the supply chain's endpoint, channeling them back through the process for remanufacturing, refurbishing, reconditioning, or recycling. It helps telecom infrastructure companies extend the life of equipment by:
- repurposing it for different applications,
- recovering reusable components from decommissioned systems,
- extracting high-value materials for reuse.
A great example of material recovery is the gold, silver, and bronze harvested from discarded electronics – which were used later to make medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics4.
Crucially, reverse logistics also provides a great opportunity to replace single-use packaging with durable, returnable solutions that support circular supply chains. By integrating robust, customizable materials and smart tracking systems, returnable packaging:
- enhances supply chain visibility,
- reduces packaging waste, and
- lowers the cost-per-trip
- optimizes distribution, handling and storage.
However, circular supply chains require more than just sustainable packaging - they depend on the seamless coordination of return flows. Without proper tracking and scheduling, returnable packaging may not be recovered on time, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
A digital tracking platform streamlines the coordination of the highly complex logistics in telecom infrastructure upgrade projects.
Seamless Coordination is Essential for Cost-Effective Telecom Upgrades
Upgrading telecom infrastructure is a complex, high-stakes operation that requires precise coordination at every stage. Success hinges on meticulous planning—not just for deploying new equipment but also for efficiently uninstalling and retrieving outdated systems.
Every step must be synchronized. If any step of the process falters—whether due to delayed deliveries, missing crews, or logistical missteps—costs can quickly spiral. For example:
If the installation crew is ready, but the new equipment hasn’t arrived, the project gets delayed, and the cost pile up.
If old equipment is not removed on time, return logistics backlogs increase.
If telecom sites are in remote areas, supply chain disruptions are even more challenging
With so much at stake, ensuring seamless coordination between installation, decommissioning, and reverse logistics isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
Digital Solutions Making Complex Telecom Installations Efficient and Hassle-Free
To streamline this complex process, telecom infrastructure companies are turning to digital platforms like Installation Management solutions (IMS).
What is IMS?
IMS is a digital solution designed to plan and oversee every logistics aspect of telecom infrastructure upgrade, ensuring a ‘first-time right’ execution. It precisely coordinates precise delivery, handling, and deployment of components while optimizing reverse logistics for decommissioned equipment. IMS manages the entire process, including:
- Planning and modeling the upgrade from start to finish
- Tracking each component for complete visibility and control
- Coordinating packaging and delivery to ensure materials arrive intact and in the correct order for seamless installation
By integrating IMS with reverse logistics, telecom companies can reduce handling time, cut costs, and avoid delays—all while ensuring efficient equipment recovery and reuse.
The market for refurbished networking equipment is accelerating, with forecasts predicting annual growth exceeding 4.5%. Custom Market Insights
A seamless telecom infrastructure upgrade requires precise coordination and expert management at every step.
Seamless Transitions: The Example Journey of a Telecom Infrastructure Upgrade
Let’s look at an example of how digital tracking and returnable packaging optimize telecom upgrades.
Company X manufactures 5G radio units and baseband processors in Sweden. These units are then shipped to South Africa, where a local network is upgrading from 4G to 5G.
To efficiently manage the process, the company relies on Installation Management solutions. This tool helps them plan resources, streamline workflows, and sequence installations for smooth execution. It also guides them in selecting the best returnable packaging solutions which protect sensitive equipment while minimizing environmental impact.
For this shipment, Company X chooses smart, returnable packaging, ensuring every item remains traceable from departure to deployment. Integrated with the digital platform, the system provides real-time visibility at every stage. If any issues arise—such as rough handling or exposure to harsh conditions—alerts allow for quick intervention, keeping the shipment intact and the project on schedule.
After installation, the decommissioned equipment is returned to Sweden using the same returnable packaging. To ensure safe transport, the packaging is protected by FiberFlute – a fiber-based, versatile cushioning solution that adapts to products of different share and sizes. This streamlines reverse logistics, helping Company X reduce handling time, lower costs, and minimize packaging waste.
The company cleans, tests, and resells some functional units to a telecom provider in Malawi upgrading a rural area from 3G to 4G, once again with the help of smart packaging and the digital platform. It retains other components as spare parts for legacy 4G networks in Nepal when the need arises.
In between each round-trip journey, the packaging solutions provider cleans, checks, and prepares the returnable smart packaging. It is ready for Company X’s next shipment cycle when they need it, helping them to reduce waste and cut costs over multiple cycles.
Streamlining Complexity with Smart Solutions
Seamlessly integrating reverse logistics and digital coordination transforms telecom infrastructure upgrades into a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable process. As networks evolve, adopting smarter logistics solutions such as these will be key to keeping pace with industry demands and regulatory shifts.
We save resources in supply chains for a better tomorrow.
Want to learn more?
GET IN TOUCH
Contact us to learn more about our smart and sustainable solutions.
LEARN MORE
Solutions for the Telecoms Industry
Sustainable Protection for Your Equipment
GreenCalc
Nefab’s own certified calculator measures and quantifies financial and environmental savings in our solutions
Global Engineering Network
250 engineering experts in more than 30 locations