More cost-effective, greener technology powers 40% increase in energy efficiency across Comcast’s nationwide network

Comcast announced a significant 40% reduction in the electricity used to transmit data across its network since 2019 by moving to virtualized, cloud-based technologies. This network transformation enables faster broadband speeds and greater reliability while using less equipment and energy, contributing to Comcast’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. Electricity consumption per terabyte (TB) of data decreased from 18.4 kWh in 2019 to 11.0 kWh in 2023. Collaboration with business partners like Hewlett Packard Enterprise is key to this transition, driving sustainable, energy-efficient innovation.

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40% less electricity consumption per byte since 2019.

Reduction of electricity consumption from 18.4 kWh/TB in 2019 to 11.0 kWh/TB in 2023

Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Implementation of virtualized cloud-based technologies to increase efficiency.

Collaboration with partners, such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to increase energy efficiency.

Comcast Statement reducing electricity consumption by 40% and achieving significant energy efficiency benefits is an important step, especially from a financial perspective. Energy costs constitute a significant portion of operating costs. By reducing its electricity usage per byte consumed from 18.4 kWh/TB to 11.0 kWh/TB over four years, Comcast is not only making a positive impact on the environment, but is likely experiencing significant cost savings. These savings could lead to improved profit margins over time. Furthermore, the drive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 is consistent with broader investor sentiment in favor of ESG criteria (environmental, social, corporate governance).

In the short term, investors may see modest financial benefits as the company reaps the rewards of lower energy costs. In the long term, a commitment to double the grid’s energy efficiency by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2035 could boost investor confidence, potentially leading to long term value gainsStill, it’s important to monitor whether Comcast can sustain these energy efficiency improvements and whether the upfront costs of investing in greener technology can offset the savings in the short term.

Comcast’s Change to virtualized cloud-based technologies is a significant technological advance. The move to edge cloud infrastructure allows for reduced energy consumption as processing power is decentralized closer to the data source, minimizing latency and increasing efficiency. This shift could set a new benchmark in the industry, influencing other network providers to adopt similar green technologies.

From a consumer perspective, this means more reliable and faster internet service with potentially fewer disruptions thanks to real-time performance visibility and self-healing capabilities. This technological shift could give Comcast a competitive edge in the marketplace.

However, it should be taken into account Initial investment and integration challenges. While virtualized systems are more efficient, the costs and complexity of implementing such a transformation across the entire national grid are not trivial. However, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, reduced operating costs, and increased customer satisfaction appear to outweigh the initial hurdles.

Comcast’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability can have a significant impact on its market positioning. In an era where consumers and investors increasingly prioritize corporate responsibility, Comcast’s proactive steps toward carbon neutrality can improve brand image and customer loyalty. Additionally, partnerships with companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise to implement energy-saving solutions demonstrate a collaborative approach that can amplify these benefits through shared technology and innovation.

However, it is important to keep an eye on how these energy initiatives translate into market share and customer acquisition over time. While environmental initiatives are commendable, they must also align with consumer demand and the desire to support such initiatives, potentially through more expensive services if necessary. The balance between maintaining competitive prices and investing in sustainable technology will be key.

07/08/2024 – 10:15 AM

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 8, 2024 / Comcast announced that it has reduced the amount of electricity needed to transmit each byte of data over its network, 40% since 2019.

The efficiency gains were achieved through the ongoing transformation of Comcast’s nationwide network toward virtual, cloud-based technologies that deliver faster broadband speeds and greater reliability with fewer devices, less storage and less energy per byte.

“By moving more computing power to our edge cloud, we can leverage more efficient, greener technology to process more customer traffic while using less electricity,” said Elad Nafshi, executive vice president and chief network officer at Comcast.

Next-generation technologies will further improve efficiency by monitoring performance in real time, allowing us to detect problems and fix them ourselves, allowing us to provide better services for both our customers and the planet.

ELAD NAFSHI

Executive Vice President and Chief Network Officer, Comcast

Comcast aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its global operations. Because purchased electricity accounts for the majority of emissions, Comcast is investing in clean, renewable energy to power its network and operations, and continues to improve network energy efficiency.

Comcast reduced its electricity consumption per byte consumed from 18.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per terabyte (TB) in 2019 to 11.0 kWh/TB in 2023.¹

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made with Comcast’s innovation, but we don’t plan on stopping there,” Nafshi added. “We’re continuing to work with our business partners to incorporate energy efficiency into future generations of technology so we can continue our path to a greener, cleaner Internet.”

Comcast has set a goal of doubling the energy efficiency of its network by 2030, which will halve the electricity consumption per byte of data.

Business partners like Hewlett Packard Enterprise are supporting Comcast’s network transformation to a virtual cable modem termination system (vCMTS) with new, energy-efficient technologies that deliver more network traffic in a fraction of the physical footprint and power consumption of previous-generation technologies.

“Our innovation with the HPE ProLiant DL110 is driving network transformation with open, high-performance, and energy-efficient solutions. We are proud to have partnered with Comcast to advance their initiatives and support their sustainability goals,” said Phil Cutrone, senior vice president and general manager, Service Provider, OEM, Telecommunications, and Major Accounts, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “The collaboration demonstrates the impact across the value chain—from reducing the carbon footprint of the technologies powering the network to improving the end-customer experience.”

For more information about Comcast’s environmental efforts, visit the Environmental page on Comcast.com.

Forward-looking statements

This communication contains estimates, projections and statements about plans and objectives that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For more information about these statements, please see https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/environment/forward-looking-statements.

¹ Our 2023 electricity consumption per byte report includes some recalculations from previous years (2019–2022).

View additional multimedia and other ESG resources from Comcast Corporation at 3blmedia.com.

Contact info:
Spokesperson: Comcast Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation
Email address: [email protected]

SOURCE: Comcast Corporation

View original press release on accesswire.com

Frequently asked questions

What are Comcast’s recent energy efficiency accomplishments?

Since 2019, Comcast has managed to reduce the electricity consumption needed to transmit data on its network by 40%.

How much has Comcast reduced its electricity consumption per terabyte since 2019?

Comcast reduced its electricity consumption from 18.4 kWh per terabyte in 2019 to 11.0 kWh per terabyte in 2023.

What technologies have helped Comcast improve energy efficiency?

Comcast’s energy efficiency gains are driven by the implementation of virtualized, cloud-based technologies that require less hardware and energy.

What is Comcast’s carbon neutrality goal?

Comcast aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Who are Comcast’s network transformation partners?

Comcast has partnered with companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise to help transform its network toward more energy-efficient technologies.

What is Comcast’s stock symbol?

Comcast’s ticker symbol is CMCSA.