AI and 5G take centre stage at MWC25 Barcelona
Focus on $11 trillion connected future
The much-anticipated MWC25 Barcelona, the world’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity industry, officially opened its doors on March 3. The event, which runs until March 6 at Fira Gran Via in the popular Spanish city, brings together leaders from various sectors. It focuses on a connected future expected to generate nearly $11 trillion in economic value by 2030.
This year’s conference spotlights key industry themes, such as the role of 5G in accelerating digital transformation and the growing intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity, and sustainability.
In his opening keynote, Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, organiser of MWC25 Barcelona, underscored the urgent need for the industry to complete the transition to 5G Standalone, develop new revenue models, and unlock the potential of AI and Open Gateway APIs to ensure continued growth.
He also emphasised the importance of securing future spectrum access, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities tied to closing the global mobile usage gap. With 3.1 billion people currently covered by mobile networks but not using mobile internet, bridging this gap could unlock a $3.5 trillion economic opportunity.
MWC25 has brought together an eclectic mix of global leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore the latest connectivity, digital transformation, and enterprise mobility breakthroughs.
Through keynote addresses, sessions, and summits, the event has become a melting pot of ideas, technology, and collaboration, where diverse industries unite to discuss how they can shape the future of the digital economy.
Granryd remarked: “Our industry connects nearly six billion people and powers economies worldwide. At MWC, over 50% of attendees come from outside the mobile ecosystem, a clear signal that industries recognise the vast opportunities our networks create.
“This week will shine a light on those opportunities – from 5G to AI and many more – and their role in helping us unlock new markets, drive innovation, and shape the future of the global digital economy. Only at MWC will you find a unique combination of exhibitions, thought leaders, startups, and policymakers, creating a space where innovation flows and business gets done.”
Mobile Economy Report 2025
As industry leaders gather in Barcelona, the GSMA unveiled its highly anticipated Mobile Economy Report 2025, highlighting key trends shaping the future of the mobile economy.
The report reveals that mobile technologies and services contributed 5.8% of global GDP in 2024, equivalent to $6.5 trillion in economic value. This figure is projected to rise significantly, with mobile technologies expected to account for 8.4% of global GDP by 2030, translating to a nearly $11 trillion contribution.
The growth will come as countries worldwide increasingly leverage mobile services and digital technologies, including 5G, IoT, and AI, to improve productivity and efficiency.
The report highlights that vertical sectors such as manufacturing (25%), accommodation and food services (17%), and public administration (14%) will be the primary beneficiaries of this growth.
It also forecasts that the number of mobile internet users worldwide will continue to climb. By the end of 2024, 58% of the global population used mobile internet. This figure is expected to rise to 64% by 2030, equating to 5.5 billion users.
As for 5G, the report notes that global 5G connections surpassed two billion by the end of 2024. By 2030, 5G is expected to account for over half (57%) of all mobile connections, overtaking 4G adoption by 2028.
Rise of 5G Standalone and Open Gateways
An important finding from the GSMA’s research also focuses on 5G Standalone technology, which is expected to drive 70% of all enterprise revenue growth through to 2030, representing a $127 billion opportunity. This growth can be accelerated through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which exposes new 5G capabilities through open network APIs.
Currently, 72 operator groups—representing nearly 80% of global mobile connections—are participating in the Open Gateway initiative. This initiative has also garnered the support of leading companies in the automotive and aviation sectors, such as the 5G Automotive Association and Seamless Air Alliance, further highlighting the widespread interest in unlocking 5 G’s potential for industries beyond telecommunications.
The GSMA’s reports and insights have set the stage for dynamic discussions and collaborations at MWC25. The event offers a unique opportunity for leaders across industries to explore how the confluence of AI, 5G, and other emerging technologies will define the connected future.
Hero image: MWC25 has brought together an eclectic mix of global leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore the latest connectivity, digital transformation, and enterprise mobility breakthroughs. Credit: GSMA
