Singapore, July 23, 2025ㅡ The mobile industry in Asia Pacific made a significant economic impact in 2024, adding approximately US$950 billion to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP). According to the GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report, published during the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Singapore 2025, this contribution represents about 6.1% of the region’s total GDP for the year. The report forecasts that this figure will increase to US$1.4 trillion by 2030, fueled by the rapid proliferation of 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), and artificial intelligence (AI), which are transforming digital infrastructure and services across the region.
Economic and Employment Impact
Beyond its direct contribution to GDP, the mobile ecosystem supported approximately 17 million jobs in 2024—comprising 11 million direct jobs within the sector and 6 million in ancillary industries such as manufacturing, retail, and content creation. This economic activity also yielded over US$90 billion in public revenue in 2024, generated through taxes, spectrum fees, and regulatory charges, with the report excluding spectrum and licensing fees which are often separately accounted for.
Investment in 5G Infrastructure
Investment has been a key driver of this growth, with operators committed to substantial capital expenditure on 5G networks. From 2019 to 2024, telecom companies invested nearly US$220 billion into deploying and upgrading 5G infrastructure. Looking ahead, stakeholders have pledged an additional US$254 billion through to 2030, aiming to expand coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas. Despite these investments, the report warns that rising spectrum costs and investment gaps—particularly in emerging markets—could slow the pace of expansion unless strategic government interventions and industry collaboration are enacted.
Emerging Challenges: Spectrum Costs and Connectivity Gaps
The report highlights a pressing challenge: spectrum costs have increased significantly. From 2014 to 2023, the spectrum cost-to-revenue ratio has tripled from around 3% to 9%, constraining operators’ ability to allocate funds for further infrastructure development. Additionally, despite high smartphone penetration, approximately 55 million Filipinos remain unconnected, and other countries face similar digital divides, underscoring the need for targeted policies and investments.
Cybersecurity and Fraud Risks
As 5G and IoT expand, the attack surface for cybersecurity threats broadens. The report details a rise in scams and cyber threats, with a “scam economy” that siphoned over US$1 trillion from consumers globally in 2024. To combat these growing risks, operators are deploying advanced AI-driven fraud detection systems, adopting zero-trust security architectures, and establishing cross-sector alliances such as the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce (ACAST). This initiative unites mobile operators and digital platforms across 16 countries in sharing intelligence, raising public awareness, and developing innovative protective measures.
Innovative Solutions and Regulatory Strategies
GSMA emphasizes that achieving sustainable growth requires comprehensive policy frameworks. Strategies such as infrastructure sharing, fiscal incentives, and targeted public funding can accelerate network deployment, especially in remote areas. Moreover, flexible, technology-neutral regulation that accommodates new technologies will be critical for fostering innovation without compromising user protection. Clear, sustainable spectrum management—particularly in low- and mid-frequency bands—will be vital for expanding 5G coverage and laying the groundwork for future 6G networks.
Key Data Highlights
- Regional GDP contribution: US$950 billion in 2024, forecast to grow to US$1.4 trillion by 2030
- Mobile’s share of GDP: 6.1% in 2024, projected to reach 6.6% in 2030
- Employment supported: 17 million jobs (11 million direct, 6 million indirect)
- Public sector revenues: Over US$90 billion in 2024
- 5G adoption: 18% of mobile connections in 2024; expected to reach 50% by 2030
- Investment commitments: US$220 billion from 2019–2024; an additional US$254 billion planned through 2030
- Connectivity gap: 55 million Filipinos remain offline; scams and cyber threats on the rise
- Spectrum costs: Increased from 3% to 9% of revenue over the past decade, impacting network deployment
While the Asia Pacific mobile sector continues to be a powerful engine of economic growth and innovation, addressing rising spectrum costs, closing digital divides, and strengthening cybersecurity remain critical. Coordinated efforts among governments, industry players, and technology innovators are essential to harness the full potential of digital transformation in the region, ensuring inclusive growth and resilience against emerging threats.
