Mobile operators look to the skies with connected UAV opportunity

Operators across the continent are moving beyond their traditional role as connectivity providers: they are repositioning themselves as full-stack digital partners for enterprises and governments; deploying AI across networks and customer operations; and opening network capabilities to developers through standardised APIs. This evolution is already reflected in the numbers. In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value across Africa, rising to $290 billion by 2030.

In aviation, demand is increasingly distributed across ground, airside and in-flight environments, making it one of the most strategically important – and potentially commercially valuable – opportunities in GSMA Intelligence's index for network API demand.

The efforts of operators and their partners translate into a significant economic impact for countries in the EU. In 2025, mobile technologies contributed €1.1 trillion of economic value in the region. However, Europe is at a crucial moment. As the region looks to boost competitiveness and strengthen resilience in an uncertain global environment, the quality of its digital infrastructure will be a key determinant of success.