GSMA has announced key themes for MWC Barcelona 2025, each spotlighting transformative trends in tech and connectivity.
5G Inside
5G Inside, one of the main themes, explores the expansive capabilities of 5G, from Release 17 and beyond, to discover new revenue opportunities, cost efficiencies, and industry applications.
GSMA Intelligence in a report said around 80 percent of global mobile internet subscribers are now using 4G or 5G, with an increase of 330 million people between 2022 and 2023.
By the end of 2023, global 5G connections surpassed 1.5 billion. However, over 100 countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), have yet to launch 5G networks, with LMICs making up more than 80 percent of these countries.
The average data usage per user has surged to nearly 13 GB per connection in 2023, showing a steady increase in data demand.
While global average download speeds rose from 34 to 48 Mbps, high-income countries reached close to 100 Mbps. In contrast, speeds remain under 20 Mbps in least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS).
Connect X
With an anticipated 15 billion IoT devices by 2027, this theme focuses on secure and sustainable networks, fostering innovation in connectivity and partnerships.
GSMA Intelligence forecasts IoT connections will reach more than 38 billion by 2030, with the enterprise segment accounting for more than 60 percent of the total.
AI+
AI+ dives into Generative AI’s impact on network optimization and personalized experiences, with insights into AI’s role across industries.
The recent KPMG 2024 Technology and Telecommunications CEO Outlook report said 78 percent of CEOs in technology and telecommunications view generative AI (Gen AI) as a top investment focus for their organizations.
Enterprise Reinvented
The theme Enterprise Reinvented discovers the integration of AI, 5G, cloud, and blockchain in revolutionizing enterprise operations, enhancing speed, efficiency, and resilience.
GSMA report says mobile operators’ business-to-business (B2B) segment is yet to achieve revenue growth from 5G investment.
Game Changers
Game Changers theme features quantum computing, extended reality, and small data, this theme showcases the latest breakthrough technologies poised to reshape industries.
Juniper Research indicates that quantum technology revenue will reach $9.4 billion in 2030 from $2.7 billion in 2024. AWS, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft and Quantinuum are some of the leading players in the quantum computing business.
Digital DNA
Digital DNA will be emphasizing sustainability, diversity, and ethics, this theme explores how companies can build more inclusive, conscious digital strategies.
GSMA, the organizers, indicates MWC 2025 Barcelona aims to guide businesses in embracing these emerging technologies for a digitally resilient future.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
