Many of the expectations that operators had for 5G a few years ago have changed now that commercial reality is close. The first few years of 5G are set to look far more conventional, and 4G-like, than many had anticipated – faster mobile speeds for YouTube viewers rather than autonomous cars. One of the most serious areas where 5G may disappoint is in power consumption. In 2014, Rethink’s biannual survey of almost 100 MNOs identified greater power efficiency as a top 10 driver to deploy 5G, and it was expected to save one on of operators’ biggest opex costs, while enabling them to meet green targets round the world, as governments become increasingly concerned about this power-guzzling industry. In that…