Nokia acquired US firm Eta Devices “to bolster its push to enhance base station energy efficiency” which it believes is “an increasingly important area for operators on the path to 4.9G and 5G”.

Eta Devices, founded in 2010, specialises in improving the energy efficiency of power amplifiers used in base stations, access points and devices.

Its technology reduces the need for backup power, which means smaller base station cabinets and reduced equipment breakdown rates.

Nokia explained that operators need power that is delivered both cost-effectively and sustainably because of increasing demand for data from consumers and businesses, as well as due to the increasing number of connected devices and things.

Nokia already offers a zero emission base station solution that it says reduces site energy consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 70 per cent.

The acquisition includes fixed assets, employees, intellectual property rights as well as lease and supplier agreements.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.