the industry meets in Barcelona for a week of presentations, summits and conferences to face the next phase of the world's digital growth
March 2, 2026, MWC26 Barcelona: MWC26 Barcelona opened its doors today, bringing together exhibitors, thought leaders, startups and policymakers from across businesses and governments under one roof for the world's largest and most influential connectivity event.
MWC26 takes place at a watershed moment for the global connectivity industry, as advanced 5G, artificial intelligence and growing digital threats reshape economies, industries and societies at an accelerated pace. In his keynote address, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath set out three urgent priorities for the coming years: investment in independent networks, expanding access to open and inclusive AI, and coordinated action across industries and governments to build a safer digital future for all.
Vivek Badrinath, CEO of GSMA, said: “Last year, mobile technology connected 5.8 billion people and contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy. However, if we are to unlock the full promise of 5G, harness AI responsibly and protect people from growing digital threats, we must act urgently. As an industry that connects the world, we have a real responsibility to champion open collaboration across borders to secure networks, close digital divides and strengthen trust in the digital economy.”
GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2026
Launched today at MWC26, The mobile economy 2026 The report shows how the industry is moving from a connectivity-focused model to one driven by advanced digital platforms, standalone 5G, AI and open APIs.
- Mobile technologies and services generated $7.6 trillion of economic value in 2025, equivalent to 6.4% of global GDP, and are projected to reach $11.3 trillion, or 8.4% of GDP, by 2030.
- Despite 96% of the world's population living with mobile broadband coverage, more than three billion people remain disconnected, with a usage gap almost 10 times larger than the coverage gap.
- The mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs worldwide in 2025 and contributed more than $800 billion in public revenue through taxes.
- By 2030, 57% of all mobile connections will be powered by 5G, while traditional 2G and 3G will account for only 1% and 5% of connections, respectively.
- Operator revenue is forecast to grow from $1.19 trillion in 2025 to $1.36 trillion in 2030, supported by $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures over the period.
The report also projects that the global cost of cybercrime, including fraud, will increase from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $15.63 trillion in 2029. As networks become more software-defined and AI-enabled, more than 90% of operators already rate the threat environment as high or very high. The magnitude of the risk requires a unified and urgent response.
The MWC26 keynotes will be streamed live via the MWC26 website and app, as well as via Mobile World Live. All of this content, in addition to select sessions from the conference, will also be available on demand through the MWC website. MWC26 continues until March 5, 2026. Receive the latest news and information live from the MWC26 Press Zone.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
Media contacts
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