The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has begun in Barcelona, bringing together technology leaders, industry experts, and policymakers from March 3 to 6. The event highlights the future of mobile technology, connectivity, and digital transformation. Attendees aim to explore the trends that will shape the industry in 2025 and beyond.
On the opening day, the GSMA released its Mobile Economy Report 2025, offering insights into the latest advancements in mobile technology and its economic impact. The report set the stage for key discussions, covering topics such as 5G expansion, mobile internet access, and regulatory guidance.
Mobile Industry’s Economic Impact
The Mobile Economy Report 2025 revealed that mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% of global GDP in 2024, equivalent to $6.5 trillion. This number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. By 2030, mobile services could generate nearly $11 trillion, making up 8.4% of global GDP.
This growth will come from increased productivity and efficiency through emerging digital technologies, such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The mobile industry’s expansion will create new business opportunities and transform key sectors of the economy.
According to the report, the industries benefiting the most from mobile technology advancements between 2024 and 2030 include:
- Manufacturing (25%)
- Accommodation and food services (17%)
- Public administration (14%)
These industries will experience major improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and service delivery as mobile connectivity enhances their operations.
Mobile Internet and 5G Expansion
The report showed that at the end of 2024, 58% of the global population (4.7 billion people) used mobile internet. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 5.5 billion (64%).
Meanwhile, 5G adoption is growing rapidly. In 2024, global 5G connections surpassed two billion. By 2030, 5G is projected to account for over 57% of total mobile connections, surpassing 4G adoption by 2028.
One of the key drivers of 5G expansion is the development of 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks. The GSMA predicts that 70% of all enterprise revenue growth through 2030 will come from 5G SA technology, representing a $127 billion opportunity.
Additionally, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is accelerating digital transformation. So far, 72 operator groups, covering 80% of global mobile connections, have joined the initiative. The project has already seen 52 commercial launches, with over 200 certified APIs live or in progress. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in mobile services and enterprise applications.
Guidance for Governments and Regulators
The GSMA report also included recommendations for governments and regulators to maximize 5G’s benefits. The key points included:
- Ensuring adequate 5G spectrum availability: Governments should avoid limiting supply through set-asides, which can create artificial scarcity.
- Setting fair spectrum prices: Regulators should establish reasonable reserve prices and annual fees, allowing market forces to determine pricing.
- Designing transparent auction processes: Poorly structured spectrum auctions can discourage investment. Governments should ensure fair bidding conditions.
- Developing a 5G spectrum roadmap: A clear strategy, with input from industry stakeholders, will help operators plan for future investments.
The report noted that policymakers are shifting toward more favorable pricing and licensing models. These models ease financial pressure on operators while promoting network investment and expansion.
One major recommendation is licensing spectrum on a technology-neutral basis. This allows mobile operators to refarm spectrum for 4G or 5G based on market demand. Additionally, extending license terms without extra fees creates a stable investment environment.
Governments are also attaching coverage commitments to spectrum licenses. While this approach can expand connectivity, the GSMA warned that overly strict conditions may backfire. The report suggests that regulators should collaborate with industry stakeholders to design effective policies.
The Road Ahead for the Mobile Industry
As MWC 2025 continues, industry leaders are discussing strategies to drive future mobile innovation. The conference features keynotes from top executives in telecom, AI, and cloud computing. Topics include 6G development, edge computing, and cybersecurity.
With 5G adoption accelerating and mobile internet access expanding, the future of connectivity looks promising. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, rising infrastructure costs, and cybersecurity risks.
The GSMA’s latest findings highlight the need for strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Collaborative efforts will ensure affordable, accessible, and high-speed mobile networks for everyone.
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