The Mobile Economy Europe 2021
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The European mobile industry has been instrumental in keeping consumers and businesses connected throughout the pandemic, despite changes in data consumption patterns and demand. Actions from operators to alleviate the impact of the pandemic include zero-rating educational services, harnessing the power of mobile big data solutions for epidemiological modelling, and providing direct funding for hospitals, frontline workers and other healthcare initiatives.
In 2020, 472 million people in Europe (86% of the population) subscribed to mobile services. The total addressable market for the region’s operators is approaching saturation point, with larger mobile markets such as France, Germany and Spain accounting for the majority of new unique subscribers.
Since 2012, rapid adoption of 4G services has occurred across many European countries, establishing it as the region’s leading mobile technology. That said, connections are forecast to peak during 2022. By the end of 2025, the region will be home to 276 million 5G connections, with the Nordics and Western Europe recording the highest adoption rates.
5G has the potential to deliver a significant amount of value to the region, but the mobile sector remains heavily regulated and influenced by fragmented policy frameworks. To ensure Europe keeps up with the global 5G pacesetters, it is more important than ever that policymakers practise efficient spectrum management and move to eliminate network rollout barriers.
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Learn moreRelated research
The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025
Mobile connectivity supports efforts to develop modern, inclusive and sustainable digital nations in Asia Pacific, facilitating the increasing integration of transformative technologies such as AI into daily activities for individuals and businesses. In 2024, the mobile sector accounted for 5.6% of GDP in Asia Pacific, contributing $950 billion in value. This is expected to rise to $1.4 trillion by 2030, equivalent to 6.6% of GDP, as the impacts of 5G technology become more widespread across local economies. To fully unlock this potential, fostering digital trust and ensuring the sustainability of the industry have become key priorities for stakeholders across the region's digital ecosystem. This means driving 5G monetisation, addressing the scam economy and mitigating cybersecurity threats, alongside bridging investment gaps, balancing innovation with regulations and implementing effective spectrum policies.
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The latest consumer survey by GSMA Intelligence reveals that around one in seven mobile users changed their service provider over the previous 12 months. The main reasons for churn have stayed largely unchanged over the last five years, at the aggregate level, with value for money by far the top reason. However, variations exist between consumer segments in terms of the degree of churn and the drivers.
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MWC Shanghai is in the books for another year, having attracted 45,000 visitors (from 12,500 companies), along with 400 exhibitors and partner groups. The numbers were up from the 2024 event by 13% and 92% respectively. This analysis highlights the key takeaways and implications from meetings, summits and announcements at the event – and in particular, whether the progress seen in China can be mapped to other regions.
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