The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is taking place this week in Barcelona from March 3 to 6. This event gathers technology leaders from around the world to talk about the future of mobile tech. Experts will discuss trends and innovations that will shape the industry in 2025 and beyond.
GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2025
The GSMA released its Mobile Economy Report 2025 on Monday. The report outlines the key trends that will drive the mobile economy. It sets the stage for discussions at MWC 2025.
Mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% to global GDP in 2024. This amounts to $6.5 trillion in economic value. By 2030, that number will increase to $11 trillion, making up 8.4% of global GDP. The mobile economy will grow through advances in 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These innovations will boost efficiency and productivity across many sectors.
Growth Across Different Sectors
Some sectors will benefit the most from mobile technology. Manufacturing will see the highest growth, with a 25% increase. Accommodation and food services will grow by 17%, and public administration by 14%. These sectors will use mobile tech to improve operations and services.
As of the end of 2024, 4.7 billion people, or 58% of the world’s population, will use mobile internet. By 2030, this number will rise to 5.5 billion, or 64% of the population. More people, especially in developing countries, will gain access to mobile services. This will help expand the global mobile economy even further.
5G and Mobile Connectivity
One of the most important technologies in the mobile world is 5G. By 2024, there will be over two billion 5G connections worldwide. By 2030, 5G will account for 57% of all mobile connections. It will surpass 4G by 2028. 5G will allow for faster and more reliable mobile networks. It will enable new services and business opportunities.
Business growth will depend heavily on 5G Standalone. This technology will drive 70% of business expansion in the mobile industry by 2030. This represents a $127 billion market opportunity. 5G will help businesses improve operations and create new business models.
One major initiative pushing mobile tech forward is the GSMA Open Gateway. So far, 72 operator groups have joined, covering nearly 80% of global mobile connections. There have been 52 commercial launches and over 200 certified APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This initiative aims to create a more open and accessible mobile ecosystem.
Recommendations for Governments and Regulators
The GSMA report offers recommendations for governments and regulators to help maximize the benefits of 5G. Governments must allocate enough 5G spectrum. They should avoid limiting supply through unnecessary set-asides. It is important to keep spectrum prices low and let market forces determine pricing.
Governments should also publish a 5G spectrum roadmap. This will help mobile operators plan for future spectrum availability. Transparent consultations on auction rules and pricing will help ensure fair conditions for all.
The report stresses the importance of smart spectrum policies. Regulators must move away from high prices and flawed auction designs that slow down progress. Many regulators are already moving toward fairer pricing models. This encourages investment in mobile networks.
Another important change is adopting technology-neutral spectrum licensing. This allows operators to repurpose spectrum for both 4G and 5G based on demand. Extending the licensing term without additional payments will create more stability for mobile operators.
Coverage Commitments and Challenges
Governments often attach coverage commitments to lower spectrum prices. These commitments can help increase mobile network coverage in underserved areas. However, they must be carefully planned. Poorly designed commitments could lead to unintended risks. Industry stakeholders should be consulted to ensure successful spectrum management.
Governments and regulators must also focus on fostering long-term investment in mobile networks. This will help create a stable environment for the growth of mobile services and technologies.
The Future of Mobile Technology
The future of the mobile industry looks promising. 5G, IoT, and AI will continue to drive growth across many sectors. The mobile economy will expand, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Governments and regulators must take the necessary steps to ensure the benefits of mobile technology are fully realized. By addressing issues like spectrum allocation and fair pricing, they can help create a thriving mobile ecosystem. The Mobile World Congress 2025 is a key event that will guide these discussions and help shape the future of mobile technology.
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