As we move further into 2025, a clearer picture emerges of where the mobile industry stands on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) journey—and where it must go next. The latest ESG Metrics for Mobile Benchmarking 2024 Report is not just a milestone; it’s a mirror, showing how the sector is evolving beyond compliance toward strategic leadership.
With participation growing from 10 operators in 2023 to 24 in 2024, representing nearly a third of global mobile connections, the momentum is undeniable. This shift reflects more than just a compliance and regulatory response- it signals a shared ambition to lead with purpose, data, and innovation.
Let’s reflect on a few insights:
Value chain engagement is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity!
All 24 operators reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions, achieving a 7% average reduction year-on-year, driven by energy efficiency and a shift to renewables [1]. In Scope 3, 23 operators disclosed emissions, with 40% covering the five most material categories, showing deeper value chain accountability [2].
Devices are making headway—networks are next.
Device take-back schemes averaged 13% of new distributions, and 99% of returned devices were diverted from landfill [3]. However, there is still quite an opportunity to accelerate network equipment circularity which currently lags due to limited tracking systems among other challenges [4].
GSMA’s recently published report, Rethinking Mobile Phones: The Business Case for Circularity, highlights how rising e-waste, consumer demand, and regulation are driving the shift from linear to circular models, offering cost, revenue, and loyalty benefits despite requiring industry-wide collaboration.
Access with equity is TRUE inclusion. Both must move in tandem.
Digital skills training reached over 57 million users, about 1% of the subscriber base [5]. However, device affordability remains a barrier: in two markets, the cheapest smartphone still exceeds 15% of monthly GDP per capita, despite data affordability improving across all participants [6]. There is quite an opportunity for improvement here.
Benchmarking helps to meet and shape industry expectations.
At MWC Barcelona 2025, our ESG session convened seasoned industry voices and experts, reaffirming that benchmarking is a strategic tool, not just a compliance checkbox. Insights from the fireside chat with Gerbrand Haverkamp (WBA) and Emanuel Kolta (GSMAi) reinforced that strong ESG performance is now intertwined with market leadership and corporate strategy.
The message for operators was clear: use benchmarks to guide goals, not just to report them. You can watch the recording here.
So, what’s next for us?
This April, we kicked off the ESG Metrics for Mobile Refresher Workshop for the 2025 ESG benchmarking cycle, offering members a chance to revisit KPIs and improve reporting quality. In May, workshops in Brussels and Mexico (M360 LatAm) convened regional actors to unpack critical ESG topics—from evolving EU regulatory landscapes, nature-based risk & supply chain resilience workstreams among others. In October, MWC Kigali will provide a critical opportunity to highlight how mobile is supporting Agenda 2063 to create the “Africa We Want”.
Final thoughts: Let’s lead, not lag
The data shows an industry making real strides. But it also shows gaps. The next phase will require stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and more consistent transparency to maintain sectoral leadership. Everyone has a role to play.
Read the following additional reports for more information:
Citations & Data Sources – ESG Metrics for Mobile Benchmarking 2024 Report
[1] 7% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions – p. 5, 13
[2] 23/24 operators disclosed Scope 3; 40% covered key categories – p. 14
[3] 13% device return rate; 99% diversion from landfill – p. 18
[4] Network equipment circularity data gaps – p. 17
[5] Digital skills training reached 57M people – p. 24
[6] Smartphone affordability exceeds 15% of income in two countries – p. 23