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New report warns of rising scams and spectrum costs as 5G poised to reach 50% of all mobile connections in Asia Pacific by 2030
SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile technologies and services contributed US $950 billion to Asia Pacific’s economy in 2024 – 5.6% of regional GDP – according to the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report released today by the GSMA at the Digital Nation Summit Singapore. This figure is forecasted to grow to US $1.4 trillion by 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 billion in public revenue, excluding spectrum and regulatory fees. Between 2019 and 2024, operators invested $220 billion in 5G networks, with another $254 billion planned 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 of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, commented:
“Mobile connectivity is the oxygen of Asia Pacific’s digital 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 trillion globally 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 billion added to regional GDP in 2024; forecast to reach $1.4 trillion by 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 billion generated 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 billion on 5G networks from 2019–2024; $254 billion planned 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.
The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 is available to download here.
Read the full press release here