The Policy Leaders Forum at M360 APAC was a deep dive into the pressing issues shaping the future of the telecom industry and digital policy in APAC. From securing investment for next-generation networks to the wide adoption of AI, the discussions reflected how policy decisions today would define the digital landscape for decades to come. A recurring theme throughout the event was digital trust.



John Giusti, GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, set the tone by launching the inaugural Digital Nations in Asia Pacific report, emphasising five critical areas to preserve digital trust: investment-friendly policies for resilient, reliable networks; whole-of-government approach to streamline efforts across sectors; industry-wide collaboration to tackle emerging threats; international cooperation to address cross-border challenges; and response mechanisms to support victims of digital threats.
Policies for equitable and sustainable digital connectivity



The following session focused on the policy actions necessary to secure investment in network infrastructure. It also highlighted the role of networks as enablers of digital innovation and economic growth. South Korea’s vision for future networks, including its investments in 6G, satellite, and quantum technologies, was a prime example of how countries can prepare for the next wave of technological advancement.
However, securing the digital infrastructure of the future requires enormous investments. As mobile data demand grows and networks struggle to keep pace, an important issue was raised: the imbalances in the connectivity value chain. While traffic demand is skyrocketing, ARPUs (average revenue per user) are declining globally, leading to an unsustainable scenario for mobile network operators (MNOs).
Policymakers are waking up to these challenges, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different markets will require unique approaches to balance operators’ investment needs and deliver value across the ecosystem. South Korea’s innovative use of network usage fees for large content generators was highlighted as a potential solution, fostering growth in both content and access providers in Korea.
Building trust and resilience in the digital age



A clear challenge facing industry leaders and policymakers alike is digital trust. In an increasingly digital world, with technologies replacing or substituting many activities in the physical world, citizens and organisations are rightly becoming concerned with the safety, reliability, and ethics of this new era.
Speakers flagged three potential solutions. First, enhance digital literacy and culture to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely. Second, promote public-private co-creation of regulations, recognising that governments and the private sector must work together to develop frameworks that foster trust. Finally, ensure open ecosystems and secure infrastructure to support innovation while maintaining privacy and security. The role of Open APIs in strengthening security was also highlighted, with discussions showing that they can reduce fraud by more than 30%.
Mobilising the future with AI



AI will impact not just industries but entire nations’ competitiveness. Its potential for transformation is vast, but so are the risks. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Biased data leads to biased outcomes, and transparency remains a challenge as AI decision-making is often not understood. Building trust in AI will require robust, transparent models and a commitment to responsible AI practices across the value chain.
Regulatory frameworks for AI are still evolving. While premature regulation could stifle innovation, there is a clear need for some guardrails to ensure the ethical use of AI. As industries like telecom and AI evolve rapidly, policymakers often play catch-up. To avoid stifling innovation, self-regulation, combined with clear, adaptable frameworks like the GSMA Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap, is seen as a balanced way forward.
Spectrum towards 2030



Even as policy leaders discussed the transformative potential of future networks and AI, the closing session of M360 APAC served as a reminder that none of this progress is achievable without sound spectrum policy. The need for 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum per market by 2030 was identified as a key target, focusing on bands like 1,500 MHz, 3.8-4.2 GHz, and 6 GHz. These bands will play a central role in future planning, with WRC-27 exploring new bands for the evolution of 5G and 6G.With global mobile data demand skyrocketing, the importance of mid-bands—particularly the 6 GHz band—cannot be overstated. This is especially true because indoor connectivity, which represents 71% of mobile data use, relies heavily on mid-band spectrum. The success of 5G adoption and its applications hinges on decisions prioritising capacity, coverage, and affordability.
In summary
The Policy Leaders Forum highlighted the importance of proactive, forward-thinking policies to ensure that the Asia Pacific can harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Whether through sustainable investments in infrastructure, building trust in the digital age, or managing the complexities of AI regulation, the key to success lies in collaboration—between governments, industry players, and international stakeholders. Today’s decisions will have lasting implications for the future of global connectivity.