Digital Utilities | Mobile for Development

A woman paying a delivery man as he fills a large water jug from a mobile water distribution truck.

Digital Utilities

Supporting urban resilience in low- and middle-income countries by enabling access to essential utility services through digital solutions and digital innovation, enabled by strong partnerships.

About us

At the GSMA Digital Utilities programme, our mission is to enable access to affordable, reliable, safe and sustainable urban utility services through the power of digital innovation.

We work at the intersection between mobile technology and essential services, fostering partnerships between mobile operators, utility providers and innovators to unlock scalable, inclusive solutions. By leveraging digital innovation, we can improve service delivery and empower underserved communities in emerging markets.

Explore what we do

A bustling outdoor market scene in an urban area, with many people, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and street vendors under umbrellas. Low-rise buildings feature visible utilities infrastructure, while large billboards frame both sides of the image.

Scaling urban resilience across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)

We work across the mobile ecosystem and development sector to advance digital innovation and digital solutions that strengthen essential urban services. Our Digital Utilities programme supports the integration of mobile, connected devices and digital platforms to enhance the resilience, reliability and reach of water, sanitation, energy and other critical services in LMICs.

Through our research, we identify high‑potential digital models that improve service delivery and operational efficiency for urban residents, particularly those in underserved communities. We catalyse collaboration between the GSMA, mobile operators, utility providers, innovators, governments and development agencies to unlock investment, reduce market fragmentation and scale sustainable impact.

Must-read resources

Explore our curated selection of essential resources that showcase how digital innovation is transforming utility services in emerging markets.

These reports, blogs and case studies highlight the latest insights, success stories and practical tools from the GSMA Digital Utilities programme.

Discover all our resources in one place

Explore how digital innovation is powering essential services and improving lives in underserved communities.

Explore our content library

Densely packed houses on a hillside bathed in the warm glow of sunset.

Co-Designing Urban Futures: Innovation and partnerships for improved service delivery in intermediary cities

Buses lined up at a city transit station with passengers boarding.

Powering Mobility: The rise of digital transportation in Africa

Digitalising Innovative Finance

How we work

Explore how we harness digital innovation to help organisations deliver essential services and drive inclusive growth.

The GSMA Innovation Fund for Digital Urban Services

Connecting partners to scale digital solutions for energy, water and sanitation.

A woman in a patterned dress and headscarf smiles while charging several phones behind a wooden counter. Bananas and a watermelon are on the counter. Shelves with goods, a TV, and utilities hint at a lively small shop setting.

The Value-of-Pay-As-You-Go Solar

Discover how PAYG solar creates sustainable growth opportunities for mobile operators while expanding access to clean energy.

A smiling teacher in a navy blue shirt holds a tablet, showing its screen to students seated in a classroom. Alphabet posters, a green chalkboard, and utilities like sunlight streaming through the window brighten the learning space.

The Digital Utilities Partnership Hub

Find out how we work with partners to deliver life-changing digital utilities where they’re needed most.

Stay in touch

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Our newsletters

Choose from our full list of programmes and receive regular updates on our work.

The ClimateTech programme is currently funded by UK International Development from the UK Government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and is supported by the GSMA and its members.

UKaid Sida