Telekom Equipment Exchange Reuses Network Gear
Telekom's internal marketplace lets national companies offer and find surplus network equipment across borders.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Telecommunications
Telekom's Equipment Exchange lets all national companies centrally offer surplus network equipment and search for parts to reuse internally. Austria transferred Ciena units to Poland, and Greece sold used Ericsson equipment for external resale.
Why it matters
Reusing network equipment reduces procurement costs and CO2 emissions, since manufacturing carries the greatest environmental impact. The approach supports Telekom's goal of making nearly all IT and network components circular by 2030.
Internal reporting says reused network equipment costs up to 80 percent less than buying new, though the source does not report total exchange volume or transaction counts.
The players
Deutsche Telekom
Deutsche Telekom is a German telecommunications company operating national subsidiaries across Europe.
DT Technik
DT Technik is a Deutsche Telekom group unit that worked with Group Technology to develop the exchange.
GNT
GNT is a technology partner that co-developed the Telekom Equipment Exchange platform.
The details
Telekom Equipment Exchange was developed by Group Technology together with DT Technik and GNT, starting with an exchange process for components before adding testing, logistics, and customs procedures. The digital platform provides centralized inventory visibility and replaces email inquiries; Slovakia and North Macedonia sourced refurbished Nokia line cards through it, and one national company found a spare part that was delivered immediately after a Friday fault.
Timeline
By 2030: Telekom targets making nearly all IT and network components circular.
A Friday: A critical legacy system fault was resolved using a part sourced through the exchange.
Circular Economy Push
The exchange extends Telekom's circularity program, which aims to make nearly all IT and network components reusable by 2030 as part of its climate goals. It follows the pattern of intra-group equipment pooling that lets national operators reduce procurement spending.
Lower equipment costs can translate into more affordable network upgrades and maintenance for telecom customers over time. Faster access to spare parts can shorten service outages when legacy systems fail.
The takeaway
Reusing equipment internally can cut costs substantially while lowering environmental impact. Operators seeking similar savings may find centralized inventory visibility a practical starting point.
Further reading
Explore more on Telecommunications developments and infrastructure reuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TelecomDrive.
