Asia Pacific mobile communications industry contributes US$950 billion to GDP

-APAC mobile communications industry contributes $950 billion to GDP; GSMA report shows it will reach $1.4 trillion by 2030

5G is expected to cover 50% of mobile connections in Asia Pacific by 2030, but fraud and spectrum costs will rise, new report warns 

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The GSMA's Mobile Economy in Asia Pacific 2025 report, released today at the Digital Nation Summit in Singapore, shows that mobile technologies and services will contribute US$950 billion to the Asia Pacific economy, or 5.6% of the region's GDP, in 2024. This figure is expected to increase to US$1.4 trillion by 2030 as 5G, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence continue to drive the region's digital transformation.

The mobile ecosystem also supports around 16 million jobs (11 million directly and 5 million indirectly) and generates more than $90 billion in government revenue (excluding spectrum and regulatory costs). Operators invested $220 billion in 5G network deployment between 2019 and 2024, and plan to invest another $254 billion by 2030. However, the study points out that without coordinated action, continued rising spectrum costs and investment gaps, especially in rural and emerging markets, could hinder future development progress.

Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific, said:

“Mobile connectivity is the lifeblood of Asia Pacific’s digital transformation – driving economic growth, technological innovation and social inclusion. However, the findings are alarming: spectrum costs have tripled in the past decade, and 48% of the population is still not connected to the internet. To maintain momentum, we must act decisively – with affordable spectrum, smarter financing solutions, and collective action to tackle fraud and cyber threats.”

The report also reveals the growing challenges of cybersecurity, with global losses from fraud exceeding $1 trillion in 2024. To address this threat, operators have adopted AI-based fraud detection technology and zero-trust architecture and established special working groups. One of the core initiatives is the "ACAST" (Asia-Pacific Cross-Industry Anti-Fraud Task Force) led by GSMA and established by operators and platforms in 16 countries. GSMA Open Gateway also strengthens anti-fraud protection capabilities through built-in authentication and security function APIs.

Key findings from the Mobile Economy in Asia Pacific 2025

Economic impact: Contribution to regional GDP is US$950 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$1.4 trillion in 2030.

Share of GDP: 5.6% in 2024, expected to rise to 6.6% in 2030.

Employment support: Provide 11 million direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs by 2024.

Fiscal revenue: In 2024, the government will generate more than US$90 billion in revenue (excluding spectrum and regulatory fees).

5G penetration: In 2024, 5G will account for 18% of all mobile connections, and is expected to rise to 50% by 2030.

Investment scale: US$220 billion will be invested in 5G networks between 2019 and 2024, with another US$254 billion planned to be invested by 2030.

Rising costs: The ratio of spectrum costs to revenues has risen from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023, further compressing the funds available for network expansion.