Resources

Tuesday 8 Nov 2022 | Competition Policy | Europe |

In this report, we assess how competition dynamics in Europe impacted investment and mobile network performance during 2011–2021.

EMF safety and 5G mmWave networks

This report looks at EMF and 5G mmWave networks. Importantly, national and international safety guidelines already include the use mmWaves.

Safety, privacy and security across the mobile ecosystem

Wednesday 2 Nov 2022 | Blog Content | Privacy |

In all regions of the world there is an increase in both real and perceived threats to national security, public safety and individual privacy. Mobile networks have a role to play in protecting public safety, such as when law ...

Tanzania Mobile Money Levy Impact Analysis (1st July 2021 – 31st March 2022)

Monday 27 Jun 2022 |

This report analyses the impact of a new levy on mobile money transactions in Tanzania. The analysis covers the first nine months’ period after the introduction of the levy, from July to March 2022.

The Internet Value Chain 2022

This new edition of the Internet Value Chain report assesses the value of the internet ecosystem and its constituent parts — content rights, online services, enabling technology, internet access connectivity and user interface — and describes the trends.

Taxation of the mobile industry in Bangladesh

Tuesday 26 Apr 2022 | 2021 | Asia Pacific and Greater China | Taxation |

A conducive regulatory environment, especially the tax framework, is required to accelerate countries’ digital transformation and maximise the benefits of connectivity. This is particularly relevant as Bangladesh now faces the ...

Tanzania Mobile Money Levy Impact Analysis

Friday 5 Feb 2021 |

This report analyses the impact of a new levy on mobile money transactions in Tanzania. The analysis covers the first three months’ period after the introduction of the levy, from July to December 2021.

EMF Exposure Compliance Policies for Mobile Network Sites

This document sets out good practice policies for the efficient assessment and management of compliance with radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure compliance for mobile network sites to ensure the protection of the public and workers.

International EMF Exposure Guidelines

This document explains the key features of the updated international guidelines for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) developed by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and published in March

5G, the Internet of Things and Wearable Devices

Increased mobile connectivity will transform society, enabling changes in the way we live and do business, through new applications of wireless technology such as Fifth Generation (5G) mobile technology; the Internet of Things (IoT), also known as machin

Understanding 5G – A guide for local communities

This guide provides an overview of 5G mobile technology, including fact-based answers to frequent questions posed by decision-makers and the public alike.

Enabling e-commerce in Central Africa

Thursday 15 Jul 2021 | 2021 | Research & Reports | Sub-Saharan Africa |

The digital economy in ECCAS is expanding rapidly, driven by strong adoption of mobile services. Overall mobile subscriber penetration in the sub-region grew from just 18% at the start of the last decade to 42% by the end of 2019, while the number of mobil

Accelerating mobile internet adoption: Policy considerations to bridge the digital divide in low- and middle-income countries

Tuesday 11 May 2021 | 2021 | Global | Research & Reports |

This report responds to the need to accelerate mobile internet adoption and use, which is the biggest challenge in bridging the digital divide. The report sets out a wide range of policy considerations and proposes a comprehensive framework for action to h

Accelerating digital transformation in Bangladesh 2021

Globally, more than 5 billion people are using mobile technology to access life-enhancing services such as digital health services, e-government platforms and digital education services. Mobile connectivity is an important driver of economic growth across

Tanzania: Driving social and economic value through mobile-sector tax reform 2021

Tuesday 6 Apr 2021 | 2021 | Sub-Saharan Africa | Taxation |

Globally, more than 5 billion people are using mobile technology to access life-enhancing services such as financial services, e-government platforms and digital health services. Mobile is an important driver of economic growth across all sectors. In Afric

Open and Virtualised Radio Access Networks: An Explanatory Guide for Policymakers

Open and Virtualised Radio Access Networks, An Explanatory Guide, provides an overview of the shift to open and virtualised RAN, and outlines a number of enablers that policymakers should consider to support the deployment of mix-and-match elements of open

Cross-Border Data Flows: The impact of data localisation on IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) transforms business, energises communities and empowers individuals. It can also benefit countries through increased productivity, employment, exports, energy efficiency and GDP. To enable these technologies and unlock their po

Adopting International RF-EMF Exposure Guidelines: Benefits for 5G Network Deployment in Russia

The Russia Federation expects commercial 5G networks in 10 cities with more than 1 million people by the end of next year, but the rollout could be faster and cheaper if the government adopts updated international safety guidelines for radio spectrum, acco

Digitalising person-to-government payments

Mobile technology plays a key role in the digital transformation of governments, enabling efficient delivery of government services and improved access for citizens and businesses. Digitalisation makes government services and payments more convenient and e

Mobile taxation in Ukraine: Proposals for reform to unlock economic value 2020

Mobile telephone services are playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth and social inclusion globally. Growth in mobile penetration can enhance digital connectivity by expanding internet and broadband access, which in turn facili

Mobile taxation in Brazil: Supporting digital transformation 2020

Mobile telephone services are playing an increasingly important role globally in supporting economic growth and social inclusion. Growth in mobile penetration can enhance digital connectivity by expanding internet and broadband access, which in turn facili

5G and Data Privacy

5G is rolling out around the world and promises to provide seamless connectivity to support diverse innovations such as smart homes, driverless cars, industrial automation, 3D films and augmented reality. 5G will enable billions of ...

5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Policies for a #BetterFuture

Thursday 28 May 2020 |

5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

The debate on health concerns related to Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure has been ongoing through every generation of mobile technology. The adoption of 5G and new features such as the use of millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum and small cells has resul

Mobile taxation studies: Methodology documentation EY

Wednesday 29 Apr 2020 | 2020 | Global | Taxation |

The GSMA and EY have prepared a series of studies of taxation and regulatory fees faced by the mobile sector in a number of countries. In each case, the analysis undertaken assesses the impact of proposed mobile sector tax and ...

COVID-19 Privacy Guidelines

As COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly in many parts of the world, some governments and other agencies are making requests for data or insights held by mobile network operators (MNOs) and other companies.

Realising 5G’s full potential: Setting policies for success

The path to realising the full vision of 5G requires new thinking by industry and governments. Failure to act on 5G will hold us from unlocking more than $2 trillion of economic value by 2035. Previous GSMA studies have highlighted the regulatory levers to

Competition policy in the digital age: Latin America and the Caribbean

This practical guide provides thought-leading insights into how competition policy is applied in Latin America as growing digitalisation changes the communications sector in this region, including:

Mobile taxation in Kenya: Accelerating digital development 2020

Taxation animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 |

Smart data privacy laws animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 |

Smart cities animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 |

5G animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 |

International EMF limits animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 | Global |

Mobile market structure and performance in Europe

This study examines how European mobile markets performed during the 4G era – in particular, how different market structures affected network quality, coverage, and investment. We also consider how market structures and market ...

Safety of 5G networks animated video

Friday 21 Feb 2020 |

Safety of 5G Mobile Networks

Safety of 5G Mobile Networks addresses safety questions that have arisen in respect to 5G, confirms adherence to applicable public health guidelines, and provides an overview of a new 5G network and the smart antenna technologies employed.

Smart Data Privacy Laws

Sensing the huge opportunity of digital transformation, governments are keen to establish a regulatory environment that supports data-driven economic growth while strengthening trust in technology. Many countries are therefore considering data privacy laws

Digital ECOWAS: Pathways to investment, innovation and inclusion

While the number of mobile internet users in West Africa is continually increasing, three quarters of the population remain unconnected and are classified as digitally excluded. By removing unnecessary obstacles that may reside in regulatory frameworks...

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Pakistan 2019

Mobile telephone services are playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth and social inclusion across the world. Mobile penetration, and specifically 3G and 4G penetration, enhances digital connectivity by expanding internet and br

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Madagascar 2019

The Making of a Digital City: Pathways to Success

This report presents recommendations for accelerating the digitalisation of cities. It lists the challenges that have limited progress to date, breaks down specific roadblocks and puts forth a strategy for moving forward. In conclusion it presents the step

Rethinking mobile taxation to improve connectivity 2019

It is well recognised that the mobile sector makes a positive economic contribution. Taxation of the sector, however, is not always aligned with best practices, impacting the development of global digital economies.

Spotlight on Nigeria: Delivering a Digital Future

The report details key policy recommendations to support mobile’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.

Policies for a Digital Europe

Sunday 26 Jun 2016 |

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Argentina 2017

Mobile telephone services play an increasingly important role in supporting and delivering development, economic growth and social inclusion. In Argentina, 2G connectivity is ubiquitous but the country has not ...

Keys to the Modernisation of Digital Ecosystem Regulation in Chile

Monday 13 Nov 2017 | 2017 | Latin America & the Caribbean | New Regulatory Frameworks |

The technological progress resulting from digitalisation has generated tremendous benefits for consumers around the world. Primarily leveraged by mobile, access to digital content is becoming universal. 3 key characteristics are driving this progress.

Modernising the Digital Ecosystem in Colombia

Thursday 22 Dec 2016 | 2016 | Latin America & the Caribbean | New Regulatory Frameworks |

The technological progress resulting from digitalisation has generated tremendous benefits for consumers around the world. Three key characteristics of the new digital ecosystem are driving this progress in Colombia.

Modernising the Digital Ecosystem in Brazil

Wednesday 23 Nov 2016 | 2016 | Latin America & the Caribbean | New Regulatory Frameworks |

The opportunities that connectivity can provide, driven primarily by mobile access, will impact all our lives. It is key that governments plan for and shape a regulatory environment where business can thrive, mobile can take full advantage of the opportuni

Taxing mobile connectivity in Latin America 2017

This report explains how taxes levied on mobile services in Latin America exacerbates affordability issues, especially for those on lowest incomes. It also explores how, in a challenging investment environment, high taxes can restrict ...

Signal Inhibitor Solutions: Use of jammers in prisons

Friday 7 Dec 2018 | 2018 | Mobile Security | Research & Reports |

The use of mobile communication devices smuggled into prisons is one of the main drivers for implementing technical solutions to block, restrict or inhibit mobile communications signals. One of these solutions is the use of mobile signal inhibitors....

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Ecuador 2018

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Uzbekistan 2018

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Tunisia 2018

Cross-Border Data Flows: Realising benefits and removing barriers

This report describes the benefits of cross-border data flows for individuals, businesses and governments, and explores the damaging impact of data localisation measures – requiring that certain types of data remain in country or be stored on local servers

Regional Privacy Frameworks and Cross-Border Data Flows

According to McKinsey research, international data flows have increased global GDP by 10.1 per cent over the past decade. Both ASEAN and APEC have officially recognised in their privacy frameworks the vital contribution that ...

Reforming mobile sector taxation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2018

Mobile telephone services are playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth and social inclusion in emerging economies. Mobile penetration and affordability enhance digital connectivity by expanding internet and ...

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Sri Lanka 2018

Mobile telephone services are playing an increasingly important role in supporting economic growth and social inclusion in the developing world. Mobile penetration and affordability enhance digital connectivity by expanding internet ...

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Zambia 2018

The Data Value Chain

Friday 22 Jun 2018 | Competition Policy | Research & Reports |

The purpose of this report is to understand the data value chain in terms of the activities and business models involved in collecting and monetising data. The report additionally considers the role that mobile network operators ...

Assessing the impact of market structure on innovation and quality in Central America

Central America is lagging behind in mobile broadband deployment and adoption, putting the region’s future economic development at risk. While 4G networks are available to 35% of the population in Central America, 4G still only ...

The Proposed European ePrivacy Regulation: Use cases

The GSMA is committed to reinforcing the role of mobile operators as the “backbone of the Digital Single Market,” as noted by European Commission Vice-President Ansip. Connectivity is the lifeblood of innovation and economic ...

Taxing mobile connectivity in Asia Pacific 2018

The positive contribution of the mobile sector to the economy is well recognised. However, the tax treatment of the sector is not always aligned with best-practice principles of taxation and can affect the levels of development of digital societies across

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Guinea 2018

Reforming mobile sector taxation in Bangladesh 2018

The 5G era in the US

Monday 26 Mar 2018 | 2018 | 5G | Research & Reports |

GSMA Intelligence is today publishing its latest research on 5G focusing on the US. Following progress led by both the mobile industry and government agencies, the US will launch early 5G commercial services later in 2018. All four ...

Delivering the Digital Revolution

Thursday 22 Feb 2018 | 2018 | New Regulatory Frameworks | Research & Reports |

Our latest report “Delivering the Digital Revolution: Will Mobile Infrastructure Keep Up with Rising Demand?” focuses on the future mobile broadband needs of the world’s “megacities”. The report warns that a significant gap between ...

The GSMA Data Privacy Survey

From May-July 2017, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the GSMA surveyed Member States to gain a clear picture on the implementation of national data privacy laws. At the same time the GSMA ...

Taxing mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review of mobile sector taxation and its impact on digital inclusion 2017

This report provides an overview of the tax and fee regime applied to mobile services and its impact on affordability and investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. It explores how mobile sector taxation can raise the affordability barrier in ...

Cross-Border Data Flows Enable the Digital Economy: An overview

The free flow of data across borders is essential for the digital economy, yet many governments place restrictions on the movement of data internationally. Some of these restrictions may be unnecessary and can stifle innovation, ...

Mobile Communications and Health

Mobile phones and other wireless technologies have become an integral part of everyday life. But does using a mobile phone regularly, or living near a base station, have any implications for our health? Much of the public concern ...

An evaluation of the Hutchison/ Orange merger in Austria

Friday 28 Jul 2017 | Research & Reports |

Assessing the impact of a merger – or predicting the impact of a merger – follows competition law and relies on economic practice. Competition authorities strive for consistency of approach, with assessments generally based on an ...

Delivering mobile connectivity in MENA: A review of mobile sector taxation and licence extension 2017

The report provides an overview of the tax and fee regime applied to mobile services in seven MENA countries: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, covering key general taxes, such as VAT and corporation ...

Risk Communication Guide for Mobile Phones and Base Stations

The GSMA and the MWF produced the Risk Communication Guide for Mobile Phones and Base Stations to provide practical guidance and support on good risk communications practice for people working in the mobile industry, especially those ...

Digital Inclusion and Mobile Sector Taxation in El Salvador 2017

In 2016, around 80% of the population subscribed to mobile services, but growth in mobile penetration has slowed recently, leaving one in five Salvadorans still unconnected and over two thirds of subscribers yet to benefit from mobile ...

Safety, privacy and security across the mobile ecosystem

This report seeks to explain the major issues and challenges around safety, privacy and security in the mobile world, highlighting the complexities and trade-offs and demonstrating the industry initiatives and actions which are already ...

Mobile Privacy and Big Data Analytics

Friday 24 Feb 2017 | Internet of Things | Privacy | Research & Reports |

Big data analytics can have a significant impact on societal aims such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and has the potential to deliver more effective health outcomes, better environmental management, increased opportunities ...

Embracing the Digital Revolution: Policies for Building the Digital Economy

The GSMA’s 2017 report Embracing the Digital Revolution: Policies for Building the Digital Economy examines the impact of digital technologies globally and calls on government to use progressive policies to drive their ...

Internet Safety Guides

Growing numbers of young people are leading digital lives, and when they encounter problems in their digital lives, many will reach out to child helplines for support and guidance. CHI and GSMA have harnessed learnings from their ...

Mobile taxation survey: A methodology note Deloitte

Wednesday 1 Feb 2017 | 2017 | Global | Taxation |

The GSMA and Deloitte have prepared a series of studies of taxation and regulatory fees faced by the mobile sector in a number of countries. In each case, the analysis undertaken assesses the impact of proposed mobile sector tax and regulatory fee reforms

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Niger 2017

The mobile sector is a key contributor to Niger’s economy. Mobile unique subscriber penetration has grown from 3% in 2006 to 24% in 2016. There are around 5 million Nigeriens with access to mobile telephony now. Despite over 81% of ...

Competition Policy in the Digital Age: Case Studies from Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

Published as a companion resource to the GSMA Competition Policy Handbook, the Case Studies provide an in-depth evaluation of digital markets in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores the challenges and opportunities brought ...

Country Overview: Pakistan – A Digital Future

Pakistan’s emerging mobile industry has connected approximately 90 million people, representing 47% of the country’s population. This is one of the lowest penetration rates in South Asia which, coupled with a low mobile broadband ...

Policy recommendations to enable small cell deployments

Growing demand for mobile network connectivity is driving the evolution of mobile networks. One approach to facilitating connectivity is the use of small cells. The new GSMA booklet Improving wireless connectivity through small ...

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Chad 2016

Sunday 4 Dec 2016 | 2016 | Research & Reports | Taxation |

Despite over 78% of Chadians living in rural areas, the country’s two leading operators, Tigo and Airtel, have each brought 2G coverage to 85% of the population. Mobile penetration has grown from 140,000 unique subscribers in 2006 to over 4 million in 2016

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Colombia 2016

Friday 4 Nov 2016 | 2016 | Research & Reports | Taxation |

Mobile services today connect over 33 million people in Colombia, positioning the country as the fourth largest mobile market in Latin America. By contributing US$5.7 billion to the country’s economy, almost two per cent of GDP, mobile ...

Keys to the modernisation of digital ecosystem regulation in Argentina

Tuesday 25 Oct 2016 | Latin America & the Caribbean | New Regulatory Frameworks | Policy Position |

To enable further investment in connectivity for a thriving digital economy in Argentina, mobile sector regulation needs to be reformed to reflect the dynamic digital landscape. This document outlines areas where we believe regulatory reform will provide..

Resetting competition policy frameworks for the digital ecosystem

Working with Competition Economists Group, the GSMA has published a detailed report that assesses how governments and regulatory authorities can update competition and regulatory frameworks to realise the full potential of the digital ...

Children’s use of mobile phones – An international comparison 2015

'Children’s use of mobile phones – An international comparison 2015' provides a detailed comparison of children’s mobile phone and internet usage across four countries: Bahrain, Honduras, Japan and the Philippines. This is the ...

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation 2016

The GSMA and Deloitte have partnered over a number of years to examine the role of taxation policies in promoting mobile industry growth and ultimately digital inclusion, especially in developing countries where sector-specific ...

Hotlines: Responding to reports of illegal online content

The GSMA’s Mobile Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse Content was founded by an international group of mobile operators within the GSMA to obstruct the use of the mobile environment by individuals or organisations wishing to consume or ...

Mobile Connectivity Index Launch Report

This launch report explains the purpose and methodology of the Mobile Connectivity Index, which measures the barriers and enablers to mobile internet adoption across 134 countries. For each country, the index provides a detailed ...

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Brazil 2016

Mobile services in Brazil connect 70% of the population and deliver widespread socio-economic benefits. However, a number of barriers remain to connect the 65 million people in Brazil that still lack access to mobile services. ...

Creating the Conditions for 5G Leadership: Seven policy actions for a new telecoms framework in Europe

As the European Union moves towards the Digital Single Market and the European Commission reviews the Telecoms Framework, policymakers have an opportunity to position Europe at the forefront of the global digital economy through ...

Notice and Takedown: Company policies and practices to remove online child sexual abuse material

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Honduras 2016

The mobile sector in Honduras has grown rapidly and today it reached 5.4 million users, or 66% of the population. However, barriers remain to the affordability of mobile services especially for the bottom of the pyramid. By affecting ...

Digital inclusion and mobile sector taxation in Tunisia 2016