GSMA Report: Asia Pacific Mobile Sector’s $950B Boost to GDP Set to Hit $1.4T by 2030

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aa0e1559d9878e57d4ceac24e586dc32 Asia Pacific's Mobile Sector Adds $950 Billion to GDP; On Track to Reach $1.4 Trillion by 2030, GSMA Report Reveals

A new report cautions about the increase in scams and spectrum expenses, as 5G is predicted to cover 50% of all mobile connections in Asia Pacific by 2030. 

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 — According to a report published today by the GSMA , mobile technology and services contributed US$950 billion to the Asia Pacific economy in 2024, representing 5.6% of the region’s GDP. This number is projected to reach US$1.4 trillion by 2030 as 5G, IoT, and AI continue to boost digital transformation in the area.

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The mobile sector also sustained about 16 million jobs (11 million directly and 5 million indirectly) and created more than $90 billion in public revenue, excluding spectrum and regulatory fees. From 2019 to 2024, operators invested $220 billion in 5G networks, with plans to invest another $254 billion by 2030. The study, however, warns that rising spectrum costs and investment gaps, particularly in rural and emerging markets, may impede progress without collaborative efforts.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, stated:

“Mobile connectivity is essential for Asia Pacific’s digital transformation, promoting economic growth, innovation, and inclusion. However, our results clearly indicate concerns: spectrum costs have tripled in the last ten years, and 48% of the population remains offline. To maintain progress, we need immediate action, including affordable spectrum, improved funding, and collective efforts to combat scams and cyber threats.“

The report also highlights increasing cybersecurity issues, with scams costing over $1 trillion worldwide in 2024. In response, operators are implementing AI-driven fraud detection, zero-trust architecture, and taskforces. A key initiative is ACAST, the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce, which brings together operators and platforms from 16 countries. GSMA Open Gateway is also enhancing fraud protection through built-in identity and security feature APIs.

Key findings from the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025:

  • Economic impact: $950 billion contributed to regional GDP in 2024; expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030.
  • Share of GDP: 5.6% in 2024, predicted to increase to 6.6% in 2030.
  • Employment: 11 million direct and 5 million indirect jobs supported in 2024.
  • Public revenues: Over $90 billion generated for governments in 2024 (excluding spectrum and regulatory fees).
  • 5G adoption: 18% of mobile connections using 5G in 2024, projected to increase to 50% by 2030.
  • Investment: Operators invested $220 billion in 5G networks from 2019–2024; $254 billion planned through 2030.
  • Rising costs: Spectrum cost-to-revenue ratios have risen from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023, limiting the funds available for further development.

The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 is available for . 

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