
Access this insight with a Premium plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted several major challenges facing the manufacturing sector and the need for greater operational visibility, including in the supply chain. It is also accelerating digital transformation, which will fuel the growth of IoT connections, particularly in smart manufacturing. Data is the driving force behind digital transformation, and 5G and private networks offer one of many routes to connect manufacturing operations and processes.
Recent announcements suggest that operators have progressed in the way they are addressing the manufacturing sector, including SMEs, as they are increasingly offering simple out-of-the-box solutions. However, as 5G enables multiple modes of deployment, operators are no longer the default service providers. Competition from vendors means that operators must continue to search for the right commercialisation model.
Report details
5G grants operators an opportunity to address manufacturing
Report details
5G grants operators an opportunity to address manufacturing
Related research
GSMA Open Gateway: State of the Market, H1 2026
This latest edition of the GSMA Open Gateway research series provides an update on the state of the market, recent developments and examples of Open Gateway in action. The market is increasingly moving away from operator-specific API exposure and towards platform-mediated distribution, where developers prefer a single integration point with global reach. This changes the commercial dynamic for the ecosystem.
Services beyond connectivity generate 2 pp of additional revenue growth for major operators
This edition of GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month looks at major operators' progress with revenues beyond traditional core telecoms. The GSMA Intelligence Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, we aim to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry.
Telcos and the AI token economy: China sets the pace
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.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
