Governments must prioritize pro -investment policies to accelerate the expansion of the network and strengthen digital economies
3RD March 2025, Barcelona: Mobile network operators make 85% of the total investment in mobile internet connectivity infrastructure worldwide, playing the role of 'Keystone' in the financing of networks that support modern digital economies around the world, according to a new report by the GSMA and Global Kearney management consulting firm.
The report was published as leaders from the entire mobile ecosystem gathered in MWC Barcelona, the world's largest mobile technology event. The report shows that with annual investments in mobile internet infrastructure (excluding end user devices) that reach $ 127 billion, MNOs only contribute $ 109 billion. Mobile operators make these investments despite obtaining less economic benefits than other digital ecosystems players of this critical infrastructure. For example, the amount provided by Mnos far exceeds connectivity investments made by other groups of investors, such as cloud service providers and content and applications suppliers (CAP).
The report underlines the essential role of mobile networks in the construction of a critical infrastructure that allows global digital transformation, connecting billions of people with everything from banking and education to entertainment services and supporting the economic growth of industries that depend on solid connectivity.
John Giusti, regulatory director of the GSMA, said: “This report makes clear: mobile network operators are the cornerstone of the Internet economy, financing the vast majority of the infrastructure that allows modern digital life. While others invest in selected parts of the world's connectivity infrastructure, their contributions are a fraction of what the MNOs spend to build and maintain the networks that drive everything, from online bank to remote work and digital entertainment. This study clearly demonstrates that if governments wish to unlock all the potential of their digital economies, they must prioritize policies that create a positive investment environment for MNOs. “
A call to policy action
The report comes at a crucial moment in which governments around the world seek to expand digital connectivity and foster economic growth through advanced networks, including 5G generations and mobile technology future. The findings paint an image of the investment panorama that reveals:
- Mobile networks are indispensable for digital progress: From electronic commerce and financial services to smart cities and medical care, almost all industries depend on mobile infrastructure.
- Investment in infrastructure requires the appropriate regulatory environment: Policy formulators must ensure that regulation and market conditions foster private investment in connectivity infrastructure.
- Nucleus and access networks require significantly greater investment than spine infrastructure: The investment in the infrastructure of the trunk network corresponds to a parallel and much higher investment in nucleus and access infrastructure, an investment of between 8 (vertebral spine versus nucleus) and 19 times (trunk versus access) higher.
To support the expansion and innovation of the continuous network, the GSMA urges governments to adopt regulatory frameworks in advance that promote investment in mobile infrastructure, rationalize spectrum policies and create a fair and sustainable financial environment for operators.
Mobile networks: the basis of the Internet economy
The report emphasizes that despite the limited investment of other actors in the connectivity ecosystem, such as cloud and content suppliers, in content delivery and content delivery networks (CDN), these investments do not replace the need for a substantial mobile infrastructure investment by mobile network operators. Basic and access networks, which are fully funded by MNOs, remain fundamental for a functional and capable Internet that meets the needs of consumers and companies worldwide, which feeds growth in the broader digital ecosystem.
As the industry meets in MWC Barcelona, this research reinforces the need for a collaborative approach to infrastructure development, one that guarantees that mobile operators operate in the right conditions to continue investing in networks that boost economic growth and digital inclusion.
For more information and to access the full report, visit
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About GSMA
GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and offer fundamental innovation to positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock all the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society prosper. Representing mobile operators and organizations throughout the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members in three broad pillars: connectivity for good, services and solutions of the industry, and scope. This activity includes the progress policy, addressing today's greatest social challenges, underpinning technology and interoperability that make mobile work and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem in the MWC and M360 events series.
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