The global digital revolution has changed the way people everywhere live, work and play. Internet-enabled services and solutions are generating immeasurable benefits and the pace of technological innovation continues to accelerate. Underlying it all is digital connectivity, including mobile telecommunications.
Ever since the introduction of the first digital cellular services for commercial use in the 1990s, mobile networks have spread, evolved and changed our world. Massive infrastructure investment and competition among mobile operators, supported by enabling policies and regulation, have led to continual improvements in network speed and quality and have extended the reach of mobile services to the most remote rural communities.
Without the networks that securely and reliably transport ever-increasing volumes of data, the world we know it would be pure science fiction. In reality, digital connectivity is everywhere. By the end of 2022, more than 5.5 billion people worldwide subscribed to a mobile phone service, with average monthly data consumption surging to 11.3Gb per user and networks supporting 2.5 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connections.1
For most people today, digital connectivity is a vital, enabling and entertaining element of daily life. This was never clearer than during the COVID-19 restrictions of 2020– 2022. People who were connected could rely on the internet to stay in touch with friends and family, access education and health services and work remotely. It was also a reminder to policymakers that not everyone is connected, whether by choice or circumstance, and that closing the digital divide still matters.
Bringing new digital services to life
5G is a crucial next step for mobile technology because it can handle far greater volumes of data, enable a massive IoT infrastructure and support an array of services that require fast, dependable, low-latency connectivity. To expand and evolve their networks, mobile operators will invest $1.5 trillion in capital between 2023 and 2030, 90% of which will be for 5G. 2
In 2023, 5G launched in approximately 30 new markets. Many were in Africa and Asia, making 5G a truly global phenomenon. As 5G adoption scales up, operators must realise a return on the investment and mobile operators will increasingly highlight the link betweenmobile devices, 5G and new digital services while expanding their 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) offerings to new areas.
The 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) was a critical moment in identifying new, internationally harmonised spectrum bands and enabling countries to confidently assign mobile spectrum to mobile operators for 5G deployments. These investments will enable 5G to proliferate and deliver on the industry’s future promise.
Mobile operators are integrating transformative solutions in their networks and adjusting business models toexpand services and pursue commercial opportunities. To make service provision more efficient and flexible, they continue to invest in network virtualisation and transition to cloud-based, software-driven network management. To optimise network functions and improve customer care, they are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools in many parts of their business. To offer connectivity services more efficiently to developers and cloud providers in an API-driven world, they are building the GSMA Open Gateway.
Embodying responsible leadership
It is widely accepted that understanding and responding to social, environmental and ethical issues is good for business, and the mobile industry embodies responsible, sustainable business practice and trusted leadership. Mobile operators are actively engaged in a range of initiatives supported by the GSMA, including:Net-zero commitments. By committing to net-zero targets, mobile operators are taking responsibility for their emissions, including their indirect emissions up and down their value chains.
- SDGs. Every year, the GSMA reports on the mobile industry’s collective contribution towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and calls for the policy actions needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
- Closing the digital divide. As network coverage connects more than 95%of people around the world, mobile operators remain focused on closing the ‘usage gap’, which refers to the 1.5 billion adults globally who are not connected due to a lack of digital skills, financial resources or locally adapted services, even though mobile broadband service is available where they live.
Good practice in telecoms policy and regulation
None of these efforts can be fully realised without supportive policy and regulatory frameworks. Governments and regulatory authorities create the conditions under which mobile operators can meet growing demand, pursue new innovations, contribute to socio-economic development and achieve environmental sustainability.
The industry positions in this handbook suggest what can be done – and what should not be done – across many policy areas that affect the business
of mobile operators and the welfare of consumers. These positions are grouped into four categories:
- Business environment, including topics such as market competition, taxation and net neutrality.
- Spectrum management and licensing, including spectrum planning, auctions, sharing and more.
- Consumer protection, including balanced and proportionate regulation for data privacy, public safety and network security.
- Environmental sustainability, including energy efficiency, sustainable supply chains and enhancing the sustainability of other economic sectors through mobile connectivity.
When governments adopt a policy and regulatory framework for mobile telecoms that adheres to established good practice, the entire digital economy becomes stronger, generating better and broader outcomes for businesses and consumers.
The mobile industry is united behind a common purpose to intelligently connect everyone and everything to a better future. 5G networks will be at the core of this next-generation digital economy and society, and supportive policy and regulations are needed to make it a reality. We hope this handbook will serve as a compass to navigate the policy and regulatory challenges that lie ahead.
Resources
GSMA, The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2023
Mobile Net Zero: State of the Industry on Climate Action 2023, GSMA
2023 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals, GSMA The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2023, GSMA
1 GSMA, The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2023
2 GSMA, The Mobile Economy 2023