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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicked off this week in Barcelona, drawing together tech leaders from around the globe to explore the latest trends and technologies that will shape the mobile industry through 2025 and beyond. The event, which runs from March 3 to 6, is a platform for industry experts to share insights, launch new products, and discuss the innovations that are expected to drive the mobile economy forward.

Mobile Economy Report 2025: Key Insights

On Monday, the GSMA, the global trade body representing mobile network operators, launched its annual Mobile Economy Report 2025. The report outlines the major trends and projections for the mobile industry, offering a glimpse into how mobile technologies will transform global economies and industries in the years to come.

The findings of the report highlight the crucial role mobile technologies and services will play in global economic growth. According to the GSMA, mobile technologies contributed 5.8% of global GDP in 2024, which amounts to $6.5 trillion in economic value. Looking ahead to 2030, this figure is expected to rise to almost $11 trillion, or 8.4% of global GDP, driven by advancements in mobile services and the broader adoption of digital technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

These technological developments are anticipated to bring significant improvements in productivity and efficiency across a range of sectors. The GSMA projects that manufacturing will see the largest gains, benefiting from a 25% increase in value between 2024 and 2030. Other sectors such as accommodation, food services, and public administration will also see notable growth, with gains of 17% and 14%, respectively.

Expanding Mobile Internet and 5G Connectivity

The report also provides an update on the expansion of mobile internet and 5G connectivity. As of the end of 2024, 58% of the global population, or 4.7 billion people, were using mobile internet. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 5.5 billion, or 64% of the global population.

In terms of mobile connectivity, 5G technology is growing rapidly. By the end of 2024, there were over 2 billion 5G connections worldwide. The GSMA forecasts that by 2030, 5G will account for more than 57% of total mobile connections, surpassing 4G adoption by 2028. This widespread adoption of 5G is expected to play a key role in driving economic growth, with 5G Standalone technology alone projected to account for 70% of all enterprise revenue growth through 2030, creating a $127 billion opportunity.

The GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative, which aims to promote the adoption of open and interoperable platforms in mobile networks, has already attracted 72 operator groups. These groups cover nearly 80% of global mobile connections, with 52 commercial launches and over 200 certified APIs already live or in progress.

Guidance for Governments and Regulators

As 5G technology continues to roll out, the GSMA report also provides guidance for governments and regulators on how to maximize its benefits. To ensure that 5G reaches its full potential, the report emphasizes the importance of sufficient 5G spectrum availability. Governments must avoid limiting supply through set-asides, which can stifle competition and delay the rollout of 5G networks.

The GSMA suggests that regulators should set modest reserve prices and annual fees to allow market forces to determine the true value of spectrum. Additionally, regulators should design spectrum auctions carefully to avoid creating artificial scarcity, which could hinder investment in network expansion.

Another important step is the development of a 5G spectrum roadmap. Governments need to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap that outlines future spectrum availability and guides operators on the rules for spectrum awards, licensing terms, and conditions. This collaborative approach will help operators plan for future spectrum needs and ensure a smooth rollout of 5G networks.

The report also highlights a growing recognition among governments of the negative impact of high spectrum prices and poorly designed assignment mechanisms. In response, many governments are shifting to pricing and licensing models that reduce financial pressure on operators while encouraging greater investment in connectivity and coverage.

One important change is the move towards technology-neutral spectrum licensing. This approach allows operators to refarm spectrum for both 4G and 5G use, based on market demand. Governments are also offering extended licensing terms without additional fees, creating a more attractive investment environment for operators.

In some countries, regulators are attaching coverage commitments to lower spectrum prices during auctions or renewals. This approach is designed to ensure that 5G coverage is expanded to rural and underserved areas, but regulators are urged to apply these conditions carefully to maximize successful outcomes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of 5G and Mobile Technologies

As the world continues to move towards 5G and other advanced mobile technologies, the opportunities for growth and innovation are vast. From the manufacturing sector to healthcare, education, and beyond, the impact of 5G, IoT, and AI will be felt across industries and countries.

The GSMA’s report shows that the mobile economy is set to play an even bigger role in driving global economic growth over the next decade. Governments and regulators will need to work together with industry leaders to ensure that the right policies and investments are in place to make the most of these new technologies.

For more information on the latest trends in mobile technology, visit Financial Mirror.