According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report, 5G connections are expected to rise from 18% in 2024 to 50% by 2030. Mobile services contributed USD 950 billion to GDP in 2024 and are projected to contribute USD 1.4 trillion by 2030. Operators, however, face funding constraints, spectrum costs that have roughly tripled, and pressure to serve underserved areas where commercial returns are limited. The industry association warns that high spectrum costs and investment gaps threaten sustained growth.

The report highlights the region’s expanding mobile economy. In 2024 alone, mobile technologies and services contributed USD 950 billion, or 5.6% of regional GDP. With wider adoption of 5G, AI and IoT, the contribution is projected to reach USD 1.4 trillion, equivalent to 6.6% of GDP, by 2030.

Operators have invested USD 220 billion in 5G networks since 2019 and expect to invest a further USD 254 billion by 2030. Rising spectrum prices place severe pressure on budgets: the spectrum-cost-to-revenue ratio tripled over the previous decade, from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023.

GSMA also draws attention to the digital divide, noting that 48% of the region’s population remains unconnected to the internet. Its leadership describes mobile connectivity as the oxygen of digital transformation, driving economic growth, innovation and inclusion. Sustaining momentum requires timely, sound decisions, affordable spectrum, strong investment and joint action against online fraud and cyber threats. The report states that mobile services supported more than 16 million jobs in 2024, including 11 million direct and five million indirect jobs.

Governments received more than USD 90 billion in tax revenue from the mobile sector, excluding spectrum and annual fees.

In China, mobile technology and digital transformation are expected to contribute USD 2 trillion, or 8.3% of GDP, by 2030. The benefits of 5G and its ecosystem are expected across economic sectors, with manufacturing projected to account for 40% of the economic impact. In 2024, mobile technologies and services contributed USD 1.2 trillion, or 6.2% of China’s GDP.

Chinese operators are combining advanced 5G and AI to develop adaptable solutions across telecommunications. While mobile advances benefit the wider economy, large industries such as manufacturing are expected to use their ability to integrate 5G, AI and IoT as a competitive advantage to increase production.

China’s mobile internet users are projected to rise from 1.17 billion, or 80% penetration, in 2024 to 1.22 billion, or 84%, in 2030.

Governments should create conditions that support investment in network expansion through public funding where needed, tax incentives, infrastructure-sharing policies covering roads, bridges, tunnels and electricity infrastructure, and spectrum roadmaps with predictable long-term pricing. Clear spectrum strategies and flexible regulations are essential to the growth of 5G and a smooth transition to 6G.

References: http://www.rcrwireless.com/20250724/5g/5g-apac-gsma

GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report

Maung Soe Yin