The mandate of PricewaterhouseCoopers would be broadened by the Indian telecom industry. The industry is seeking from the firm recommendations as to ways it may help operators reduce its carbon emissions aside from examining the feasibility and viability of funding the use of 3.5 lakh mobile towers using alternative energy sources.

The industry would be urging PwC's Indian arm in suggesting steps to assist operators in meeting the telecommunications department's 'gogreen' targers set for January 2012. In a statement, it said, "PwC India's terms of reference is likely to be broadened by seeking its suggestions on reducing carbon emissions." The statement was made by a senior executive who represented Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association. This is the industry body for telecom tower firms.

The official assded, "Apart from examining initiatives undertaken by telcos, PwC India may be asked to examine the viability of alternate technologies like batteries as a cost-effective tool for reducing carbon emissions." Currently, the DoT and the ministry for new and renewable energy do not use batteries as a green energy source since these are essentially storage devices.

The firm may also be asked to provide an assessment as to the green telecom policies' alignment with global standards in containing carbon emissions as required under the International Telecom Union.