Barcelona, 3 March 2025
MWC25 Barcelona, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event, has officially commenced. This year’s event will explore a connected future projected to generate nearly $11 trillion in economic value by 2030. Key industry themes include the role of 5G in accelerating digital transformation, the convergence of AI with advanced connectivity, and sustainability-driven innovations.
Key Highlights from MWC25 Barcelona
In his keynote address, Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, emphasized the importance of transitioning to 5G Standalone, securing future spectrum access, and harnessing AI and Open Gateway APIs to fuel industry growth. With 3.1 billion people covered by mobile networks but not yet utilizing mobile internet, closing this usage gap could unlock an additional $3.5 trillion in economic value.
MWC25 has brought together global leaders, industry pioneers, and changemakers, facilitating conversations on emerging technologies, business models, and the future of mobile connectivity.
Key Insights from the Mobile Economy Report 2025
As MWC25 unfolds, the GSMA has released its annual Mobile Economy Report 2025, which provides key insights into the mobile industry’s global impact and growth potential:
Economic Growth: Mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% to global GDP in 2024, equating to $6.5 trillion in economic value. By 2030, this is expected to rise to nearly $11 trillion, accounting for 8.4% of global GDP.
Industry Beneficiaries: Between 2024 and 2030, industries poised to gain the most from mobile-driven digital transformation include manufacturing (25%), accommodation and food services (17%), and public administration (14%).
Mobile Internet Expansion: By the end of 2024, 58% of the global population (4.7 billion users) were using mobile internet, with this figure projected to grow to 5.5 billion users (64%) by 2030.
5G Growth: 5G connections surpassed two billion by the end of 2024 and are expected to represent over half (57%) of total mobile connections by 2030, overtaking 4G adoption by 2028.
Enterprise Revenue Expansion: Findings from a GSMA report indicate that 5G Standalone will drive 70% of enterprise revenue growth by 2030, representing a $127 billion market opportunity. This expansion will be facilitated through initiatives like the GSMA Open Gateway, leveraging open network APIs.
The Role of 5G, AI, and Open Network APIs
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative, supported by 72 operator groups covering almost 80% of global mobile connections, is set to revolutionize enterprise mobility. Leading automotive and aviation firms, such as the 5G Automotive Association and Seamless Air Alliance, have announced their endorsement of this initiative.
As industries continue to integrate AI, IoT, and advanced connectivity solutions, MWC25 Barcelona stands as a critical platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. With a diverse lineup of keynote sessions, industry discussions, and groundbreaking exhibits, the event is shaping the future of the global digital economy.
Comments