The changing shape of smart cities: new trends and new roles for operators
Access this insight with a Premium plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
Smart cities are not new, but recent developments indicate a shift to smart and sustainable cities where digital technology is used for multiple purposes including environmental aspects. This requires closer collaboration between city stakeholders throughout the entire smart city lifecycle, from the initial assessment to strategy design and implementation. Operators are increasingly involved in smart city projects. For some, their role is moving beyond providing connectivity to become smart city solution providers.
Technology is key to realising the potential of smart cities. Some technologies have already become essential (e.g. IoT, connectivity, cybersecurity and data management). Others, such as 5G, AI, digital twins and edge computing, offer opportunities for more advanced smart city applications. The diverse range of technological capabilities also requires the use of smart city platforms, which are becoming new decision-making centres.
This reports looks at the drivers of smart cities and their progress so far. It examines the possible roles for operators in phases of the smart city lifecycle, provides a selection of case studies, and offers an outlook on the potential accelerators ahead.
Report details
The changing shape of smart cities: new trends and new roles for operators
Report details
The changing shape of smart cities: new trends and new roles for operators
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.
MWC Shanghai 2026: 6G, sovereignty and AI monetisation come to the fore
With a 33% rise in international visitors this year, MWC Shanghai speaks to China’s influence and gravitational pull on the regional Asian tech economy and reciprocal demand from buyers to see and be seen on the MWC stage in an already busy event calendar. The analysis here highlights the key takeaways and implications from the meetings, summits and announcements at the event.
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.
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.
