The spend of an era: mobile capex to reach $1.5 trillion for 2023–2030
Access this insight with a Standard plan. Contact our sales team to get started.
Or
Report details
The spend of an era: mobile capex to reach $1.5 trillion for 2023–2030
£750
EX. VATThis report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
Contact usBetween 2023 and 2030, mobile operator capex will reach $1.5 trillion, with the vast majority on equipment related to the rollout and expansion of 5G and beyond. This includes 5G-Advanced and the start of investment in early 6G launches.
While mobile network rollouts are nothing new, 5G is moving more quickly than anything before. Much of this has been driven by the early launch of 5G in China, but this is not the full story. Operators have ambitious plans for rollouts in major emerging markets such as India, South Africa and Brazil. In such markets, lower ARPU levels will need to be factored in to ensure a return on the investment required.
With significant outlay ahead, cost savings, network efficiency and new business opportunities are among the key considerations as the ecosystem navigates the investment path to 2030.
Report details
The spend of an era: mobile capex to reach $1.5 trillion for 2023–2030
£750
EX. VATThis report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
Contact usRelated research
Operators at MWC Barcelona 2026: strategies, innovation and messages shaping the industry
This report examines operators’ engagement at MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting their announcements, innovations, strategy updates and messaging, in addition to examining implications for telecoms ecosystem players. We show our findings for 17 major operators across 12 areas of focus, including AI, 5G, B2B, B2C, cloud/edge and emerging tech such as APIs and non-terrestrial networks.
MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
Around 105,000 people from 207 countries attended MWC Barcelona 2026. The show attracted more than 2,900 exhibitors, including telecoms operators, vendors and firms from across the broader technology ecosystem. This report examines the key announcements and innovations that took centre stage, what came as a surprise and what it all means for telecoms and the wider TMT industry.
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
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
Operators at MWC Barcelona 2026: strategies, innovation and messages shaping the industry
This report examines operators’ engagement at MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting their announcements, innovations, strategy updates and messaging, in addition to examining implications for telecoms ecosystem players. We show our findings for 17 major operators across 12 areas of focus, including AI, 5G, B2B, B2C, cloud/edge and emerging tech such as APIs and non-terrestrial networks.
MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
Around 105,000 people from 207 countries attended MWC Barcelona 2026. The show attracted more than 2,900 exhibitors, including telecoms operators, vendors and firms from across the broader technology ecosystem. This report examines the key announcements and innovations that took centre stage, what came as a surprise and what it all means for telecoms and the wider TMT industry.
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics