5G and private networks for digital industries: navigating enterprise needs, investments and supplier decisions

Digital transformation of enterprises across vertical sectors is accelerating. During 2024-2030, enterprises will spend 10% of their revenues on digital transformation, and this provides new B2B opportunities to technology suppliers, including operators. The rise of digital industries is not one size fits all though. As sectors have different needs and priorities, getting insights directly from enterprises is key to formulate the right B2B strategies and capitalise on the digital transformation opportunity.

This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections, adoption and coverage, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.

Last month, China’s three major telecoms operators became the first to launch token-based AI plans, packaging AI usage in a way that resembles traditional mobile data bundles, signalling a broader push by operators to commercialise AI, cloud and compute capabilities. This reflects growing interest among operators in monetising AI by moving beyond internal AI efficiencies and towards commercial AI opportunities. The logic is simple – tap the surging interest in AI and put a meter on it – but the concept goes beyond just offering tokens for cash.