Operators have five routes to monetise the future metaverse
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise module.
The metaverse, which still lacks a universal definition, is in its infancy, but the pace of developments and announcements has accelerated in the last 12 months. Despite the scepticism from some companies or investors on the metaverse in general and specifically on how the business case will play out (investments versus returns), the space will continue to capture interest in 2023 and beyond. While tech giants such as Meta, Microsoft and Google are getting more attention, a range of operators are also making inroads into the metaverse. These include SK Telecom, NTT Docomo, Deutsche Telekom, e&, Singtel, Verizon and Telefónica. In this report, we provide insights into what operators think of the metaverse opportunity and identify the possible monetisation routes.
Related research
IBC 2025: AI dominated the scene but it was not the only area of innovation and developments
The 2025 edition of IBC, one of the largest annual gatherings of the media and entertainment industry, had nearly 44,000 attendees from over 170 countries, with 1,300 exhibitors showcasing innovations and cutting-edge technology. AI was the dominant theme at the show, with a focus on generative AI and agentic AI. But there were also key developments in free-to-air TV and an uptick among vendors looking to increase interactivity to generate customer stickiness.
The rise of digital industries in ASEAN: accelerating enterprise transformation through AI and mobile
The digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 580 enterprises across 10 sectors in five ASEAN countries to gain insight into their digital transformation.
e&: A strong first-party gaming offering to profit from high consumer usage of digital gaming
Operator strategies continue to evolve in the digital era as the telecoms industry seeks to capture new growth opportunities in the consumer and enterprise markets. Assessing innovation and achievements is more important than ever before. GSMA Intelligence's operator case studies provide a concise and consistent way to shine a light on and analyse operators' strategies and business models, as well as how they are launching new services. This edition analyses e&'s comprehensive consumer gaming offering as part of its wider digital services strategy.
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 moreRelated research
IBC 2025: AI dominated the scene but it was not the only area of innovation and developments
The 2025 edition of IBC, one of the largest annual gatherings of the media and entertainment industry, had nearly 44,000 attendees from over 170 countries, with 1,300 exhibitors showcasing innovations and cutting-edge technology. AI was the dominant theme at the show, with a focus on generative AI and agentic AI. But there were also key developments in free-to-air TV and an uptick among vendors looking to increase interactivity to generate customer stickiness.
The rise of digital industries in ASEAN: accelerating enterprise transformation through AI and mobile
The digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 580 enterprises across 10 sectors in five ASEAN countries to gain insight into their digital transformation.
e&: A strong first-party gaming offering to profit from high consumer usage of digital gaming
Operator strategies continue to evolve in the digital era as the telecoms industry seeks to capture new growth opportunities in the consumer and enterprise markets. Assessing innovation and achievements is more important than ever before. GSMA Intelligence's operator case studies provide a concise and consistent way to shine a light on and analyse operators' strategies and business models, as well as how they are launching new services. This edition analyses e&'s comprehensive consumer gaming offering as part of its wider digital services strategy.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics