The GSMA Board’s meeting in New Delhi last week outlined a roadmap for the next phase of global connectivity, marking a shift from the last time it gathered in India a decade ago. Now, it leads with 1.2 billion active connections, including 450 million on 5G, driving its digital economy forward. The board also engaged with Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss how policy and technology can align for broader growth.
Mobile technology’s economic impact has surged to $6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 6.4% of global GDP, and is projected to double to $11.3 trillion by 2030. With 5G adoption accelerating, discussions centered on how to sustain investment in new technologies while ensuring they deliver real-world value. By 2030, 57% of all mobile connections are expected to run on 5G, requiring operators to invest $1.2 trillion in capital expenditure between 2025 and 2030. India’s rapid 5G rollout served as a case study for how clear policy ambition and sustained investment can fuel progress.
Gopal Vittal, GSMA Chair, emphasized collaboration as the key to accelerating innovation and trust in connectivity. Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, added that the next challenge is turning 5G expansion into tangible benefits for users, particularly in low-income regions.
Digital inclusion remains a critical gap. While 97% of the global population lives within mobile broadband coverage, 3.4 billion people still lack internet access. The cost of entry-level smartphones, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where they consume 76% of the poorest households’ monthly income, is a major barrier. The board explored solutions like financing programs, tax incentives, and closer collaboration between device manufacturers and memory suppliers to lower costs.
The rise of scams and AI-driven fraud posed another urgent challenge. Mobile operators are adopting network-based detection tools and sharing intelligence to combat fraud, but the GSMA’s United Against Scams initiative now frames this as a shared industry priority.
Looking ahead, the board turned to 6G innovation. Participants committed to maintaining global standards, an approach that has driven efficiency since 4G, and highlighted spectrum harmonization as essential for scaling future networks. Over 80% of the world’s population now supports mobile use of the upper 6 GHz band, a development critical for 6G’s expected bandwidth demands. The GSMA will leverage its global platforms to support innovators and ensure equitable access to emerging technologies.
