MWC25 Officially Starts in Barcelona

MWC25 Barcelona, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event, opened its doors yesterday. MWC25 set the stage to discuss a connected future expected to add nearly $11 trillion in economic value by 2030, spotlighting key industry themes including the role of 5G in accelerating digital transformation, and the increasing convergence of AI, advanced connectivity, and sustainability.

In his opening keynote, the GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd drew special attention to the industry's need to complete the transition to 5G Standalone, drive new revenue models, and harness the potential of AI and Open Gateway APIs, to ensure growth. He also stressed the urgency of securing future spectrum access, as well as the challenges and opportunities of closing the global mobile usage gap. With 3.1 billion people covered by mobile networks but not using mobile internet, closing the usage gap could unlock a $3.5 trillion economic opportunity.

"Our industry connects nearly six billion people, and powers economies worldwide. At MWC, over 50% of attendees come from outside the mobile ecosystem, a clear signal that industries recognize the vast opportunities our networks create. This week will shine a light on those opportunities – from 5G to AI and many more – and their role in helping us unlock new markets, drive innovation, and shape the future of the global digital economy. Only at MWC will you find such a unique combination of exhibition, thought leaders, startups, and policymakers, creating a space where innovation flows and business gets done,” Granryd said.

The GSMA launched its annual Mobile Economy Report 2025 highlighting critical trends shaping the future of the mobile economy. The study shows that mobile technologies and services generated 5.8% of global GDP in 2024 (equivalent to $6.5 trillion of economic value). By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to nearly $11 trillion, or 8.4% of GDP, as countries around the world increasingly benefit from the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by the increased take-up of mobile services and digital technologies, including 5G, IoT and AI.

Vertical sectors are expected to benefit: between 2024 and 2030, the primary beneficiaries will include manufacturing (25%), accommodation and food services (17%), and public administration (14%). 58% of the world’s population was using mobile internet at the end of 2024, representing 4.7 billion users – a number expected to rise to 5.5 billion users (64%) by 2030. 5G connections worldwide surpassed two billion at the end of 2024 and will account for over half (57%) of total mobile connections in 2030, overtaking 4G adoption by 2028. Findings from another GSMA report show that 5G Standalone is expected to drive 70% of all enterprise revenue expansion through to 2030, representing a $127 billion opportunity.