AI is a lubricant rather than an engine of energy efficiency for 4G and 5G networks, but at least it oils a lot of wheels. Estimates of AI’s net contribution to energy savings can be exaggerated by ignoring the underlying gains from the new techniques being optimized, including mechanisms introduced under successive 3GPP Releases. Furthermore, some technology vendors have added proprietary techniques that may or may not incorporate AI, although few would admit to the latter. Operator Three UK, one of the country’s four principal MNOs, together with Ericsson, did not directly overstate the role of AI in the former’s network, but that still seemed to be exaggerated. The operator cited improvements in energy efficiency at sites where it had…