{"id":19074,"date":"2026-09-02T15:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T14:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/?page_id=19074"},"modified":"2026-09-17T10:37:04","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T09:37:04","slug":"mobile-powering-progress","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/mobile-powering-progress\/","title":{"rendered":"Mobile: Powering Progress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-gsma-video-pod banner_right-img_block gsma-load-hidden\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group banner_right-img_container gsma-load-hidden has-gsma-white-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns banner_right-img_columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_left is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"h-foundations-of-the-digital-economy\" class=\"wp-block-heading banner_right-img_title\"><strong>Foundations of the Digital Economy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"banner_right-img_blurb wp-block-paragraph\">The digital economy is only as strong as the networks it runs on. As the foundation of both today\u2019s digital economy and tomorrow\u2019s technologies, mobile must be empowered to deliver high-quality, resilient and intelligent connectivity at scale, worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_right is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">                <script src=\"https:\/\/platform.vixyvideo.com\/p\/557\/sp\/55700\/embedIframeJs\/uiconf_id\/23455624\/partner_id\/557\"><\/script>\r\n                <div style=\"padding-bottom: 56.25%; position: relative;\"><div id=\"vixy_player_6ab3ffe9bec42\" style=\"position:absolute; width:100%; height:100%\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n                <script>\r\n                    kWidget.embed({\r\n                      \"targetId\": \"vixy_player_6ab3ffe9bec42\",\r\n                      \"wid\": \"_557\",\r\n                      \"uiconf_id\": 23459939,\r\n                      \"flashvars\": {},\r\n                      \"entry_id\": \"0_pvcx9odz\"\r\n                    });\r\n                <\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gsma-cover cover_block gsma-load-hidden\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-1024x431.png\" alt=\"Stylised map showing global digital connectivity\u2014people, smart devices, solar panels, drones, wind turbines, data centres\u2014illustrating how mobile, AI, IoT, and advanced data systems power economic growth and digital services worldwide. White icons on a maroon background.\" class=\"wp-image-19388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-1024x431.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-768x323.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-1536x647.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Landing-page-graphic_1440x810px-CROPPED-2048x862.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Policies that support the mobile economy unlock opportunities for all<br><\/strong><br>Policymakers can enable this by streamlining permitting processes, reviewing sector\u2011specific taxation, removing barriers to network deployment, and providing long\u2011term licensing certainty. <br><br><strong>At the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference, the GSMA urges Member States to focus on strengthening three key foundations of the digital economy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gsma-banner-rihgt-img banner_right-img_block gsma-load-hidden\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group banner_right-img_container gsma-load-hidden\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns banner_right-img_columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_left is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"h-usage-gap\" class=\"wp-block-heading banner_right-img_title\">Usage Gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>A lack of affordable devices \u2013 compounded by limited digital skills, a scarcity of relevant content and online safety concerns<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>keeps billions of people offline. Closing the usage gap requires policies that reduce device taxes, enable financing and invest in digital skills.<\/li>\n<li>96% of the world\u2019s population are served by mobile broadband networks \u2013 yet 38% remain offline.<\/li>\n<li>In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 43% of people cannot afford a smartphone; for the poorest, even a basic handset can cost up to 48% of monthly income.<\/li>\n<li>Closing the usage gap could add $3.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030 \u2013 with more than 90% of that value flowing to LMICs.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_right is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full banner_right-img_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"710\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Usage-gap_616x450px.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing that 96% of the world has mobile broadband, but 58% are connected and 38% (3.1 billion) remain offline. Closing this usage gap could add \u00a33.5 trillion to global GDP by 2030. Urban and rural icons shown, signal tower at centre.\" class=\"wp-image-19495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Usage-gap_616x450px.png 710w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Usage-gap_616x450px-300x291.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out more about closing the Usage Gap, visit the Breaking Barriers &#8211; Closing the Digital Divide page. You can also read the latest policy papers that provide analysis and recommendations on addressing the main barriers to the Usage Gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/breaking-barriers-closing-the-digital-divide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Closing the Digital Divide<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Breaking-Barriers-Improving-Handest-Affordability.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Affordability Policy Paper<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Breaking-Barriers-Advancing-Digital-Knowledge-And-Skills.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Skills Policy Paper<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gsma-banner-rihgt-img banner_right-img_block gsma-load-hidden right-copy\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group banner_right-img_container gsma-load-hidden\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns banner_right-img_columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_left is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"h-sustaining-and-extending-network-infrastructure\" class=\"wp-block-heading banner_right-img_title\">Sustaining and Extending Network Infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Since 2010, global mobile traffic has grown more than 500-fold \u2013 and the demands on networks continue to multiply.<\/li>\n<li>Networks must now support AI-enabled innovation, withstand growing climate and cyber threats, and ensure reliable emergency and humanitarian communications \u2013 all of which require resilient, intelligent infrastructure capable of predicting demand and responding in real time.<\/li>\n<li>Meanwhile, around 300 million people still live beyond the reach of mobile broadband. Space-based solutions such as direct-to-device (D2D) services can help close this coverage gap, but consumer affordability, particularly in LMICs, remains a key barrier.<\/li>\n<li>Each of these priorities \u2013 carrying surging traffic, modernising infrastructure, securing networks and extending coverage \u2013 competes for the same finite pool of capital, at a time when operators\u2019 returns on invested capital have fallen.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_right is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full banner_right-img_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"710\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Network-infrastructure_616x450px.png\" alt=\"Illustration shows urban to rural network infrastructure. Urban area faces demand growth, climate, and cyber threats; masts connect to rural homes. Text notes 500x demand growth, decreasing return on investment, and 300 million people lacking mobile broadband access.\" class=\"wp-image-19496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Network-infrastructure_616x450px.png 710w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Network-infrastructure_616x450px-300x291.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more insights on maintaining and extending network infrastructure, visit our Policy and Regulation page and read the related reports<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/breaking-barriers-closing-the-digital-divide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">More about Network Infrastructure<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Breaking-Barriers-Improving-Handest-Affordability.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Satellite Regulatory Playbook<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/public-policy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mobile-Infrastructure-Investment-Landscape-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mobile Infrastructure Investment Landscape<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-gsma-banner-rihgt-img banner_right-img_block gsma-load-hidden\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group banner_right-img_container gsma-load-hidden\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns banner_right-img_columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_left is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 id=\"h-forward-looking-spectrum-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading banner_right-img_title\">Forward-Looking Spectrum Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>Spectrum is the natural resource that underpins all mobile connectivity. How it is planned and managed directly determines the world\u2019s access to connectivity. Forward-looking spectrum management<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prioritising low-band spectrum for rural coverage: Harmonising and assigning low-band spectrum to mobile enables base stations to cover wide areas at lower costs.<\/li>\n<li>Enabling mid-band spectrum innovation: More than 50% of urban residents will face capacity constraints by 2030, and networks supporting AI and data\u2011intensive applications will require 2\u20132.5 GHz of mid-band spectrum by 2035\u20132040. Reaching this goal requires international consensus by 2030.<\/li>\n<li>Ensuring satellite-terrestrial coexistence: Spectrum frameworks should enable satellite innovation without compromising the terrestrial networks that connect billions of people.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column banner_right-img_column_right is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full banner_right-img_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2250\" height=\"2250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259.png\" alt=\"Three sections show spectrum coverage: Low bands (1 GHz, rural, with a mast), Mid-bands (1\u20136 GHz, urban, buildings), and Satellite D2D (satellite, last mile homes), illustrating how connectivity forms the backbone of the digital economy. White line art on a dark red background.\" class=\"wp-image-19547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259.png 2250w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-2048x2048.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/3_Spectrum_1080x1080px_v259-435x435.png 435w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2250px) 100vw, 2250px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out more about forward-looking spectrum management, visit our spectrum pape and read these related reports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/connectivity-for-good\/spectrum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">More about Spectrum<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/connectivity-for-good\/spectrum\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GSMA_Vision-2040.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spectrum for the Future of Mobile Connectivity<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/connectivity-for-good\/spectrum\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Spectrum-and-Rural-Connectivity.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spectrum and Rural Connectivity<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Policies that support the mobile economy unlock opportunities for allPolicymakers can enable this by streamlining permitting processes, reviewing sector\u2011specific taxation, removing barriers to network deployment, and providing long\u2011term licensing certainty. At the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference, the GSMA urges Member States to focus on strengthening three key foundations of the digital economy: To find out more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"2normal","footnotes":""},"tags":[3008,3432,3709,731,3634,749,737,3710,3437,3707,3708,3706,3433],"class_list":["post-19074","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","tag-connectivity","tag-digital-divide","tag-digital-economy","tag-gsma","tag-international-relations","tag-itu","tag-mobile-industry","tag-mobile-networks","tag-mobile-operators","tag-network-infrastructure","tag-plenipotentiary","tag-spectrum","tag-usage-gap"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mobile: Powering Progress - 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