Digital transformation of manufacturing and the role of operators in the 5G era
Access this insight with a Premium plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
Manufacturing is recognised as a key strategic sector due to its large share of economic output and, increasingly, its focal point in the wider trend of digital transformation. Shocks to demand and supply chains associated with the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to accelerate adoption of technologies (namely, cloud, automation and IoT) for efficiency gains in the sector.
Operators have had limited involvement with the manufacturing sector, with relationships usually confined to traditional B2B connectivity and, to a lesser extent, services in cloud, security, analytics and IoT. This is, however, rapidly changing as a result of the enhanced capabilities offered by 5G. 5G in factories is in its early stages, but over the next two years technical specifications will be finalised, including those permitting standalone network deployments – a prerequisite for many low-latency applications such as robotic machinery.
This latest report from GSMA Intelligence looks at the key technologies set to accelerate the digitisation of manufacturing, the role operators can play in the vertical and how they can speak to the needs of manufacturers to capture the 5G opportunity in the sector.
Report details
Digital transformation of manufacturing and the role of operators in the 5G era
Report details
Digital transformation of manufacturing and the role of operators in the 5G era
Related research
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.
5G in Context, Q1 2026
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.
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.
