The latest GSMA Intelligence report says North America’s mobile ecosystem is entering a new phase of hyper-connectivity powered by 5G-Advanced, AI integration, private networks, and satellite connectivity.
10 Key Takeaways on North America’s Mobile Economy and 5G Growth
Mobile Economy to Contribute $3.7 Trillion by 2030
According to GSMA Intelligence, mobile technologies and services will add nearly $3.7 trillion to North America’s economy by 2030 — representing 10.2 percent of regional GDP. This growth underscores the critical role of 5G, IoT, and AI in driving productivity and digital transformation across industries.
Mobile Sector Growing Faster Than the Economy
Between 2024 and 2030, mobile’s contribution is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9 percent, outpacing regional GDP growth, which is expected at just 2.1 percent CAGR. This highlights the increasing importance of mobile innovation in shaping economic progress.
Operator Revenues and Investments Surge
Telecom operators’ revenues are forecast to reach $355 billion by 2030, up from $318 billion in 2024. During 2024–2030, operators will invest around $348 billion in network expansion and innovation, particularly in 5G and advanced connectivity. Between 2019 and 2024, mobile operator capex in North America totalled more than $300 billion, with the majority for 5G infrastructure deployment.
5G Adoption Reaches 89 percent of Mobile Connections by 2030
5G penetration will skyrocket from 55 percent in 2024 to 89 percent in 2030, driven by strong consumer demand, enterprise adoption, and extensive infrastructure rollouts across the U.S. and Canada.
The number of 5G connections in North America is expected to exceed 300 million at the end of 2025, up from around 150 million at the end of 2022.
5G SA
As of August 2025, 74 operators globally offered commercial 5G services on SA networks. This includes seven operators in North America: AT&T, Bell, Dish Network, Rogers, Telus, T-Mobile US and Verizon.
Internet Penetration Expands to 82 percent of the Population
By 2030, 344 million people (82 percent of North America’s population) will be mobile Internet users, compared to 319 million (55 percent) in 2024 — demonstrating how digital inclusion continues to deepen across the region.
Mobile Industry Powers 2.6 Million Jobs
In 2024, the mobile ecosystem directly employed 1.3 million people, while supporting another 1.3 million through indirect jobs — totaling 2.6 million jobs supported by mobile-driven economic activity.
Mobile Sector Contributes $140 Billion in Taxes
The mobile industry contributed over $140 billion in tax revenues in 2024, representing 2.6 percent of total tax receipts in North America. Most of this came from VAT, sales, and excise duties.
5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Becomes a Major Growth Driver
The US leads the global 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market with 11.6 million connections by the end of 2024, accounting for 9.1 percent of the country’s fixed broadband market. Strong growth is expected to continue, with FWA connections projected to exceed 25 million by 2030, covering nearly 20 percent of US households. The technology is becoming a key revenue driver for operators — Verizon generated $2.1 billion in FWA revenue in 2024 (around 3 percent of its wireless service income). T-Mobile US reported 6 percent service revenue growth supported by 1.7 million net broadband additions.
In the first half of 2025, Verizon reported 223,000 FWA net additions in the enterprise segment, taking its total enterprise FWA subscriber base to more than 2 million (40 percent of its overall FWA base).
Enterprise 5G and Network Slicing Unlock New Revenue Streams
North American operators are rapidly deploying 5G standalone (SA) networks and network slicing, enabling tailored connectivity for industries like manufacturing, logistics, and public safety. Private 5G deployments are also growing, notably at mines, airports, and ports, such as Telus’ decade-long 5G deal at Calgary International Airport.
D2D Satellite Connectivity Ushers in a New Era of Coverage
Operators like T-Mobile US, Verizon, AT&T, Rogers, and Telus are pioneering direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, ensuring connectivity in remote areas. T-Mobile’s nationwide D2D service via Starlink and Verizon’s Skylo-powered offerings mark a major leap in extending network reach beyond terrestrial limits.
With robust investments, strong regulatory support, and fast-growing adoption, North America region is set to remain a global leader in mobile innovation and digital economy growth through 2030.
Baburajan Kizhakedath