MNOs invest 85% in global mobile internet infrastructure

GSMA report finds

According to a new report by the GSMA and Kearney, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are the primary investors in global mobile internet connectivity infrastructure, contributing 85% of the total annual investment. This substantial investment underscores MNOs’ pivotal role in supporting digital economies worldwide.

Key findings of the report

• Dominant investment by MNOs: The report reveals that annual investments in mobile internet infrastructure (excluding end-user devices) total $127 billion, with MNOs contributing $109 billion. This contribution far exceeds other digital ecosystem players, including cloud and content and application providers (CAPs).
• Essential role of mobile networks: Mobile networks are foundational to digital advancement, connecting billions to services ranging from banking and education to entertainment. This connectivity supports the economic growth of various industries reliant on robust infrastructure.
• Need for supportive regulatory frameworks: To sustain network expansion and innovation, governments are encouraged to adopt regulatory policies that promote investment in mobile infrastructure, streamline spectrum management, and establish a fair financial environment for operators.
• Disparity in investment focus: While cloud and content providers invest in backbone and content delivery networks (CDNs), these contributions do not negate the necessity for significant investments by MNOs in core and access networks, which remain essential for a functional internet that meets global consumer and business needs.

John Giusti, the GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer, stressed the critical role of MNOs, stating, “This report makes it clear: mobile network operators are the keystone of the internet economy, funding the vast majority of the infrastructure that enables modern digital life.”

He further noted that while other entities invest in specific segments of connectivity infrastructure, their investments are merely a fraction of the comprehensive network development and maintenance efforts undertaken by MNOs. Giusti concluded that governments aiming to harness the full potential of their digital economies must implement policies that foster a favourable investment climate for MNOs.

The report also illuminates the challenges faced by MNOs in their investment endeavours. Despite their substantial financial commitments, MNOs often derive less economic benefit from infrastructure than other stakeholders. This disparity highlights the need for a more balanced approach to infrastructure investment and utilisation within the digital ecosystem.

As industry leaders convene at MWC Barcelona 2025 this week, this report’s findings reinforce the imperative for a collaborative approach to infrastructure development. Such collaboration ensures that MNOs operate optimally, enabling continued investment in networks that drive economic growth and digital inclusion.

Policymakers are urged to recognise the indispensable role of MNOs and implement supportive regulatory frameworks to sustain the momentum of digital transformation globally.

The GSMA is a global organisation that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. 

Image: Policymakers are urged to recognise the indispensable role of MNOs and implement supportive regulatory frameworks to sustain the momentum of global digital transformation. Credit: Tony Schnagl