The global connectivity industry has gathered in Barcelona for MWC26, one of the world’s largest and most influential events focused on mobile technology and digital innovation. The event brings together exhibitors, policymakers, startups, and industry leaders at a pivotal time when advanced 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and growing digital threats are rapidly transforming economies and societies.
In his opening keynote, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath outlined three urgent priorities for the years ahead: accelerating investment in standalone 5G networks, expanding access to open and inclusive AI, and strengthening cooperation between industries and governments to build a safer digital future. He highlighted the sector’s vast economic impact, noting that mobile technology connected 5.8 billion people last year and contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy. However, he stressed that unlocking the full potential of 5G, responsibly deploying AI, and countering rising cyber threats will require stronger cross-border collaboration and renewed commitment to trust and security.
The launch of the GSMA’s Mobile Economy 2026 report at the event further underscored the scale of transformation underway. The report shows that the industry is moving beyond basic connectivity toward advanced digital platforms powered by 5G standalone networks, AI, and open APIs. In 2025, mobile technologies generated $7.6 trillion in economic value, equivalent to 6.4 percent of global GDP, with projections indicating growth to $11.3 trillion, or 8.4 percent of GDP, by 2030. Despite 96 percent of the global population being covered by mobile broadband, more than three billion people remain unconnected, highlighting a significant usage gap.
The mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs worldwide in 2025 and contributed over $800 billion in public revenues through taxes. By 2030, 57 percent of mobile connections are expected to operate on 5G, while legacy 2G and 3G networks will account for only a small share. Operator revenues are projected to increase from $1.19 trillion in 2025 to $1.36 trillion by 2030, supported by an estimated $1.2 trillion in capital expenditure.
At the same time, cybersecurity risks are intensifying. The global cost of cybercrime is forecast to rise sharply in the coming years, reflecting growing threats in an increasingly software-defined and AI-enabled network environment. With the vast majority of operators already rating the threat landscape as high or very high, the report emphasizes the need for urgent, coordinated action to protect digital ecosystems.
MWC26 continues through 5 March 2026, serving as a central platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the mobile ecosystem. The GSMA, which represents mobile operators and organizations worldwide, remains focused on advancing connectivity, addressing societal challenges, supporting interoperability, and fostering global cooperation to unlock the full potential of digital transformation.
