GSMA opens MWC26 in Barcelona

MWC26 opened in Barcelona, convened by the GSMA, and brought together exhibitors, thought leaders, startups and policymakers to address the next phase of digital growth.

The GSMA launched the Mobile Economy 2026 report at MWC26, which reported that mobile technologies and services generated $7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025, equivalent to 6.4% of global GDP, supported 50 million jobs, and contributed more than $800 billion in public revenues, while over three billion people remained unconnected despite 96% mobile broadband coverage and a usage gap nearly ten times larger than the coverage gap.

The report described a shift from a connectivity-centric model to one powered by advanced digital platforms, 5G standalone, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and open APIs, and it said networks were becoming more software-defined and AI-enabled, with more than 90% of operators rating the threat environment as high or very high.

At his opening keynote, Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, set out three priorities: investment in standalone networks, expanding access to open and inclusive AI, and coordinated action across industries and governments to build a safer digital future for all, and he said:

“Last year, mobile connected 5.8 billion people and contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy. However, if we want to unlock the full promise of 5G, harness AI responsibly, and protect people from escalating digital threats, we must act with urgency. As the industry that connects the world, we have a real responsibility to champion open collaboration across borders to secure networks, close digital gaps, and strengthen trust in the digital economy.”

The report projected that mobile technologies and services would rise from $7.6 trillion in 2025 to $11.3 trillion by 2030, that 57% of connections would run on 5G by 2030, that operator revenues would grow from $1.19 trillion in 2025 to $1.36 trillion by 2030 supported by $1.2 trillion in Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), and that the global cost of cybercrime would increase from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $15.63 trillion by 2029.