The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 has officially begun in Barcelona, bringing together top technology leaders, industry experts, and policymakers. From March 3 to 6, attendees will discuss key trends shaping the future of the mobile industry. The event serves as a global platform for unveiling innovations in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile connectivity.

GSMA Releases the Mobile Economy Report 2025

On the first day of the event, the GSMA launched its much-anticipated Mobile Economy Report 2025. This report highlights critical insights into the mobile economy’s growth, economic impact, and the role of emerging technologies. The findings provide valuable guidance for businesses, investors, and regulators looking to capitalize on the next wave of technological advancements.

Key Findings from the Mobile Economy Report

The report revealed several important statistics:

• Mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% of global GDP in 2024, generating $6.5 trillion in economic value.
• By 2030, mobile technologies could contribute nearly $11 trillion, representing 8.4% of global GDP.
• The biggest economic gains will come from increased productivity and efficiency in industries such as manufacturing, accommodation, food services, and public administration.
• Manufacturing alone is expected to see 25% of these economic benefits, while the accommodation and food services sector will gain 17%, and public administration will experience a 14% boost.

These projections underscore how mobile technologies, including 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), will drive economic growth and reshape industries in the coming years.

Expansion of Mobile Internet and 5G Connectivity

The report also provided insights into mobile internet adoption. By the end of 2024, 4.7 billion people, or 58% of the global population, had access to mobile internet. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to 5.5 billion, increasing the penetration rate to 64%.

5G continues to gain traction. The report confirmed that 5G connections surpassed two billion by the end of 2024. By 2030, 5G will account for over 57% of total mobile connections, overtaking 4G adoption by 2028. This shift marks a significant milestone in global connectivity, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced network reliability.

5G’s Role in Driving Economic Growth

The GSMA highlighted how 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology will transform industries. By 2030, 5G SA is expected to drive 70% of enterprise revenue growth, amounting to a $127 billion opportunity. The GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative is also gaining momentum, with 72 operator groups—representing nearly 80% of global mobile connections—joining the project. Currently, 52 commercial launches and over 200 certified APIs are either live or in development.

These figures illustrate the vast potential of 5G in reshaping business operations and enhancing digital transformation.

Government and Regulatory Recommendations

The GSMA report also provided guidance for governments and regulators to maximize the benefits of 5G. It outlined several key recommendations:

• Ensuring sufficient 5G spectrum availability: Governments should avoid limiting spectrum supply through set-asides, as this could slow down network expansion and impact service quality.
• Keeping spectrum prices affordable: Regulators should set reasonable reserve prices and annual fees, allowing market forces to determine spectrum costs.
• Carefully designing spectrum auctions: Governments must avoid mismatched lot sizes that create artificial scarcity and distort the bidding process.
• Developing a 5G spectrum roadmap: Policymakers should collaborate with industry stakeholders to plan future spectrum allocations, define licensing terms, and establish fair award rules.

The report emphasized that governments are now recognizing the negative impact of high spectrum prices and flawed assignment mechanisms. Many nations are shifting toward pricing and licensing models that encourage operator investment and ensure broader connectivity coverage.

The Future of Mobile Connectivity

To foster long-term investment, the GSMA recommended licensing spectrum on a technology-neutral basis. This approach allows operators to refarm spectrum for 4G or 5G as market demand evolves. Additionally, extended licensing terms without extra fees create a stable investment climate, encouraging companies to develop next-generation networks.

Regulators are also tying coverage commitments to lower spectrum prices during auctions and renewals. While these conditions promote widespread connectivity, the GSMA advised that policymakers should apply them carefully and consult with industry leaders to avoid unintended consequences.

A Global Push for Mobile Innovation

The discussions at MWC 2025 underscore the rapid evolution of mobile technology. With 5G adoption expanding, AI-powered innovations emerging, and digital transformation accelerating, industry leaders remain focused on shaping a more connected future. Governments, regulators, and businesses must work together to ensure that technological progress translates into economic growth, digital inclusion, and better connectivity for all.

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