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

New report warns of rising scams and spectrum costs as 5G poised to reach 50% of all mobile connections inAsia Pacificby 2030 

SINGAPORE,July 24, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- Mobile technologies and services contributed US$950 billiontoAsia Pacific'seconomy in 2024 - 5.6% of regional GDP - according to theMobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025report released today by the GSMA at theDigital Nation Summit Singapore. This figure is forecasted to grow to US$1.4 trillionby 2030, as 5G, IoT and artificial intelligence continue to accelerate digital transformation across the region.

The mobile ecosystem also supported around 16 million jobs (11 million directly, 5 million indirectly) and generated over$90 billionin public revenue, excluding spectrum and regulatory fees. Between 2019 and 2024, operators invested$220 billionin 5G networks, with another$254 billionplanned through 2030. However, the study cautions that rising spectrum costs and investment gaps - particularly in rural and emerging markets - could hinder progress without collaborative action.

Julian Gorman, Head ofAsia Pacificat the GSMA, commented:

"Mobile connectivity is the oxygen ofAsia Pacific'sdigital transformation – driving economic growth, innovation and inclusion. Yet our findings sound clear alarms: spectrum charges have tripled over the last decade, and 48% of the population remain offline. To sustain momentum, we need decisive action – affordable spectrum, smarter financing and collective action to tackle scams and cyber-threats."

The report also explores growing cybersecurity challenges, with scams siphoning over$1 trillionglobally in 2024. In response, operators are adopting AI-based fraud detection, zero-trust architecture, and taskforces. One major initiative is ACAST – the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce – uniting operators and platforms across 16 countries. GSMA Open Gateway is also enabling better fraud protection via built-in identity and security features APIs.

Key findings from the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025

• Economic impact:$950 billionadded to regional GDP in 2024; forecast to reach$1.4 trillionby 2030.
• Share of GDP: 5.6% in 2024, projected to rise to 6.6% in 2030.
• Employment: 11 million direct and 5 million indirect jobs supported in 2024.
• Public revenues: Over$90 billiongenerated for governments in 2024 (excluding spectrum and regulatory fees).
• 5G adoption: 18% of mobile connections on 5G in 2024, expected to rise to 50% by 2030.
• Investment: Operators committed$220 billionon 5G networks from 2019–2024;$254 billionplanned through 2030.
• Rising costs: Spectrum cost-to-revenue ratios have increased from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023, limiting funds available for further expansion.

TheMobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025is available to downloadhere. 

Read the full press release here

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/asia-pacifics-mobile-sector-adds-950-billion-to-gdp-on-track-to-reach-1-4-trillion-by-2030--gsma-report-reveals-302512176.html

SOURCE GSMA