ABI Research Ranks AT&T Wireless, Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless as Greenest North American Carriers

These days, being green is keen in every industry. But in telecom, if you’re not going green fast enough, you just might miss some good publicity.

 

Global consultancy ABI Research this week released its latest “Vendor Matrix," and ranked AT&T Wireless as the greenest global carrier, followed by Sprint Nextel (News - Alert) and Verizon Wireless. The “matrix,” ABI’s new scorecard for North American carriers, evaluates companies on a number of criteria, including their environmental friendliness, clean technology initiatives focused on green network infrastructure, green network equipment, green handsets and handset recycling.

 

“AT&T takes a slight lead over Sprint partly due to its focus on green innovation and R&D,” said Aditya Kaul, a senior analyst with ABI Research’s (News - Alert) London branch. “AT&T has already implemented programs and defined goals in the green network infrastructure area.”

 

While AT&T (News - Alert) has defined “new metrics” to measure carbon reduction, Kaul said Sprint deserves credit for its green handsets, handset recycling program, green buildings and green IT.

 

On Sept. 10, Sprint unveiled a new line of accessories – including chargers and device cases -- specially designed for consumers who desire eco-friendly products. These accessories can be obtained from the new ‘green’ sections within all company-owned retail locations and online.

 

In evaluating a carrier’s green “innovation,” ABI Research said it examined innovative applications or uses of technology for green networks. Researchers looked at the direct or indirect impact on green innovations for the supplier value chain, innovative metrics used to measure carbon and energy reduction and activities in smart-grid networks.