The spend of an era: mobile capex to reach $1.5 trillion for 2023–2030

Standard
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

Between 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
More info

This 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 us

Related research

Digital Nations 2026: building trusted digital ecosystems in ASEAN

Topics

Digital trust has become a strategic delivery mechanism for building digital nations. Countries that build confidence in digital infrastructure, services and institutions will be better placed to convert digitalisation into adoption, innovation, investment and socioeconomic impact. To explain how digital trust can be strengthened, this report introduces four interconnected foundations of digital trust. Traditionally viewed as connectivity providers, mobile operators are increasingly contributing to all four trust foundations, making them key enablers of digital trust. 

This insight is locked
SERIES: Global Mobile Forecasts

Global Mobile Forecasts, Q2 2026 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers

Standard
Topic

GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.

This insight is locked

The missing link: business messaging enters its next era

Topic

Business messaging remains a cornerstone of the mobile ecosystem, even as it transforms. Operators and their partners have an opportunity to shape an integrated, rich and trusted messaging environment that meets modern user and enterprise expectations. Broad reach, robust security and seamless user experience will be pivotal to messaging’s success over the next five years and beyond. This report outlines the industry outlook for innovation and disruption in business messaging, and highlights the strategic imperatives for mobile operators.

This insight is locked

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 subscription

Contact our research team

Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.

Contact our research team

Media

To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.

Learn more
Full access
Get full access to our research now, get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis
  • 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.