The Mobile World Congress 2025 kicks off in Barcelona this week, bringing together global leaders to discuss how emerging mobile technologies are reshaping the mobile economy. The event is built around the latest Mobile Economy Report 2025, launched by the GSMA, which sheds light on the major trends driving the mobile sector.
Key Mobile Trends Shaping 2025:
- Mobile Economic Impact: Mobile services contributed $6.5 trillion to the global GDP in 2024, a number expected to rise to $11 trillion by 2030, showing a sharp growth in the economic value generated by mobile technology.
- Global Mobile Internet Growth: By 2030, 64% of the world’s population is expected to use mobile internet, with 5G connections surpassing 50% of global mobile connections, providing a major boost to digital transformation across industries.
- Sector Benefits: Manufacturing, accommodation, and public administration are predicted to benefit the most, with manufacturing alone set to contribute 25% to this economic growth.
Mobile Tech Driving Global Productivity: The adoption of 5G, IoT, and AI technologies is fueling productivity across different industries. The GSMA Open Gateway, an initiative signed by 72 operator groups, is creating new opportunities, offering over 200 APIs to businesses.
Recommendations for Governments and Regulators: To maximize the mobile sector’s growth, the GSMA urges governments to:
- Ensure 5G spectrum availability and avoid limitations in supply.
- Develop a 5G spectrum roadmap that helps operators plan better.
- Create investment-friendly environments through flexible licensing terms.
As the Mobile World Congress 2025 unfolds, the mobile economy is set to play a transformative role in the digital economy, making mobile technology a cornerstone of growth and innovation in the coming years.
Key Takeaways:
- The Mobile economy is set to contribute $11 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
- Mobile internet will reach 64% of the global population by 2030.
- Governments must provide the right infrastructure to encourage 5G adoption and mobile innovation.
This week’s discussions at MWC 2025 will provide further insight into how mobile tech will continue to shape global economic and technological landscapes.