With unprecedented granularity, the 5G Consumer Scorecard shows how consumers approach 5G differently depending on their country, the mobile operator they subscribe to, and the brand of smartphone they use. This interactive scorecard is based on our extensive Consumers in Focus Survey.

As we look ahead to 2021, a number of storylines will continue to run: the pandemic impact, 5G, new ways of designing/running mobile networks and the digitisation of the enterprise. This Insight Spotlight addresses the first two, with the remaining two discussed in the next edition.

Drawing on GSMA Intelligence's latest survey of consumers in 20 countries, this report reveals new consumer data and unearths the trends that will define the post-pandemic smartphone market. Highlighting the ways consumer behaviour has changed as a result of the pandemic, we ask operators and smartphone vendors to reset their expectations as they form their strategies for the future.

GSMA Intelligence's 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. In this edition, we reflect on how competition will be fierce in the smartphone market in 2021 as demand recovers in the aftermath of the pandemic.

2020 has been a turbulent year for the telecoms industry, but it has been a more positive year than expected for 5G. Our annual consumer survey adds weight to this positive outlook – we find that intentions to upgrade to 5G have increased substantially in 2020 across many markets, and that early 5G adopters are largely satisfied with their experience.

The smartphone market has been stress-tested in 2020, with Covid-19 impacting supply chains, distribution and sales channels, and most significantly consumer demand. With mobile churn picking up post lockdown, smartphone OEMs must position themselves carefully to capitalise on consumers' changing priorities in 2021.

For mobile operators planning acquisition and retention strategies for the year ahead, understanding consumer pain points and priorities is critical in this 'new normal'. Our Mobile Operator Churn Dashboard - based on the GSMA Intelligence Consumers in Focus Survey spanning 20 markets and 20,000 respondents - is an interactive tool offering detailed insights into the reasons behind consumer churn, and the levers operators can pull to help improve retention.

While the new iPhone offers users several compelling reasons to upgrade, Apple did not demonstrate a clear value proposition for 5G beyond the speed increase. Apple's embracing of 5G is significant for the industry as a whole, but the success of the new iPhones will depend more on features other than 5G - and whether consumers faced with economic headwinds see value in upgrading.

2020 is a turning point for eSIM. The top three smartphone makers are now fully on board, while the number of mobile operators offering eSIM service has doubled over the last 12 months. For OEMs and operators that have yet to launch, supporting eSIM is not a matter of if, but when.

Each new 5G launch presents growth opportunities for local operators, but also provides a unique chance for smartphone manufacturers to make new inroads or strengthen their market lead. As our survey data shows, operators are eager to make changes to their smartphone vendor rosters in 2020, with a substantial portion in some regions looking to drop some to make room for new ones.

One of the most noticeable effects of Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdowns has been the massive increase in video conferencing. Many of us are now spending hours each day in front of screens, both for work and for social activity. Zoom has become the app of choice for millions, overshadowing rival products. Video conferencing is here to stay, and presents a range of challenges and opportunities for operators in the new normal.

A changing landscape, an approaching tipping point and a shifting balance of channels. The 5G era marks a deeper and more fluid competitive device landscape than in the LTE era. But how are operators adjusting their device portfolio strategies, and how could new vendors help move the market towards the tipping point for mass-market adoption of 5G? The latest Operator Insights Survey from GSMA Intelligence examined operator strategies for device portfolios, diving deep into roster plans and priorities, including device features, pricing and distribution, and market expectations.

Although consumers appear to be concerned about their privacy online, only a minority are making satisfactory efforts to protect their data. The risks of sharing data – and the lack of action being taken by consumers – are made worse by the deployment of AI technologies. However, AI could also be used to help manage and protect consumer data, especially if the technology is placed in the hands of regulators and consumers.

While the cancellation of MWC 2020 removed a major showcase for the latest and greatest industry developments, several events happened in the run-up or were converted to alternative formats. In the first of this Unwrapped series, we analyse the spate of recent 5G smartphone launches and announcements.

GSMA Intelligence’s Chart of the Month is a new 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. In this edition, we look at the paradox that exists in how consumers respond to perceived risks about the security of their personal data online.

The more data a device gathers, the better the insights. It appears that consumers are willing to accept this trade-off, even against a backdrop of mounting privacy concerns: this is the tech paradox. Despite this apparent contradiction, privacy remains a crucial concern, as confirmed by our consumer survey. On top of this, there has been no slowdown on the regulatory front, as a wave of new data rules is imminent.

CES has slowly but steadily evolved from a consumer electronics show into a wider technology event, showcasing a range of new products and services for smart homes, connected cars, enterprise applications and digital entertainment. As expected (in our pre-show blog post), the event helped shine a light on what will be important in 2020, across IoT, 5G, AI, robotics, devices, Wi-Fi 6, blockchain, privacy and security. In this Spotlight, we focus on the event takeaways for IoT, 5G and media & entertainment, with implications for operators and vendors on the road ahead.

The smartphone is set to remain the dominant consumer device into the new decade, but the arrival of 5G will not guarantee a surge in device upgrades, according to this latest research from GSMA Intelligence. The report provides insight on consumer technology adoption trends, including the outlook for smartphones, smart speakers, wearables and other emerging categories

The use of automated facial recognition is gaining traction as the number of trials for the technology increases. But, the technology raises a number of potential ethical and legal issues. Though proponents advocate the benefits of AFR for consumers and citizens, firms and policymakers alike have to ensure it is not used in a way that is harmful, intrusive or unlawful. Otherwise, progress may stall in the fast-growing facial-recognition market.

AI advances come at a time when several societal undercurrents are moving in different directions. Public trust in companies has fallen to a record low. Political discourse and geopolitical alliances have polarised. In contrast, the influencing power of consumers has increased to record highs, with the millennial generation prepared to vote with their feet. Social media platforms have shattered all barriers to expression but, in so doing, have become unwitting conduits to a ‘post-truth’ era. In this context, what are the implications for the future viability of self-regulation in the tech sector and the changing value of corporate reputation and trust in the eyes of consumers?