New Delhi: Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC26) opened on Monday in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together global exhibitors, industry leaders, startups, and policymakers. The event is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential gathering for the connectivity ecosystem.
This year’s edition comes at a critical time for the global industry. Advanced 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and growing digital threats are rapidly reshaping economies and societies.
During the opening keynote, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Director General Vivek Badrinath outlined three key priorities for the years ahead. He stressed the need for stronger investment in standalone 5G networks, wider access to open and inclusive AI, and coordinated efforts between industries and governments to create a safer digital environment.
Badrinath said that mobile technology connected 5.8 billion people last year and contributed USD 7.6 trillion to the global economy. He noted that unlocking the full potential of 5G and using AI responsibly would require urgent action. He also emphasised that the industry carries a responsibility to promote cross-border collaboration to secure networks, reduce digital gaps, and strengthen trust in the digital economy.
The GSMA also launched its Mobile Economy 2026 report at MWC26. The report shows that the sector is moving beyond basic connectivity towards advanced digital platforms powered by 5G standalone, AI, and open APIs, MWC26 said in a media release.
According to the report, mobile technologies and services generated USD 7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025. This represented 6.4% of global GDP. The figure is expected to reach USD 11.3 trillion, or 8.4% of global GDP, by 2030.
Although 96% of the world’s population lives within mobile broadband coverage, more than three billion people remain unconnected. The usage gap is nearly ten times larger than the coverage gap.
The mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs worldwide in 2025. It also contributed over USD 800 billion in public revenues through taxes.
By 2030, 57% of all mobile connections are expected to run on 5G networks. Legacy 2G and 3G technologies are projected to account for just 1% and 5% of connections, respectively.
Operator revenues are forecast to grow from USD 1.19 trillion in 2025 to USD 1.36 trillion by 2030. This growth will be backed by USD 1.2 trillion in capital expenditure over the period.
The report also highlights growing cybersecurity concerns. It projects that the global cost of cybercrime, including fraud, will increase from USD 9.22 trillion in 2024 to USD 15.63 trillion by 2029.
