The GSMA board outlined the industry’s connectivity priorities, calling for action on smartphone affordability, online scams and network investment while backing closer international cooperation on future 6G standards.

Following a board meeting in New Delhi, India, the industry association stated that although 97% of the global population live within mobile broadband coverage, 3.4 billion people remain unconnected to mobile internet. The cost of devices remains a significant barrier, with an entry-level internet-enabled handset equivalent to 44% of average monthly income for the poorest 20% of people in low- and middle-income countries.

The GSMA highlighted potential measures to improve affordability including financing schemes, targeted tax cuts and closer cooperation between device makers and memory suppliers.

It also identified scams and fraud as a growing threat, warning that although the mobile industry continues to strengthen network detection and cyber defence tools, “no single sector can tackle the threat alone”. The GSMA noted AI-generated content and deepfakes further add to risks for consumers, public trust and government objectives, calling on the industry to “join forces to counter scams with practical solutions”.

Sustained investment
The GSMA also highlighted the need for network investment and supportive policy to accelerate connectivity growth. It found mobile technologies and services generated $6 trillion in economic value in 2025, equivalent to 6.4% of global GDP. This figure is forecast to reach $11.3 trillion by 2030.

In addition, operators are projected to invest $1.2 trillion in capital expenditure between 2025 and 2030 to expand and upgrade networks, with 57% of mobile connections expected to use 5G by the end of the decade.

GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath said the sector’s next priority must be to translate 5G expansion into “meaningful value”, ensuring more people can participate in the digital economy. “This will require sustained investment, enabling policy and collaboration across the wider ecosystem,” he stressed.

Looking ahead, the industry association reiterated its support for global standards and harmonised spectrum as 6G development continues. It highlighted countries representing more than 80% of the world’s population support mobile use of the upper 6GHz band, which could provide the 200MHz to 400MHz channel bandwidths expected to be needed for 6G.

GSMA chair Gopal Vittal said that “by working through global standards and collaborating across markets, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen trust and resilience” as the industry develops the next generation of connectivity.

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The GSMA lined up the board which will guide the organisation through key decisions around 6G, satellite connectivity and spectrum, with six new companies represented and fresh faces at some existing members.

Its overall board remains at 26 members, though the company representation is shifted with Axiata Group; Millicom; NTT Docomo; Ooredoo Group; stc; and Telstra joining the ranks.

By contrast, Ethio Telecom; KDDI; KT; Telenor; TIM; and Veon are not among the names of the next board.

Companies remaining on board but with different representatives comprise AT&T; China Telecom; China Unicom; China Mobile; Deutsche Telekom; e&; Globe Telecom; and Telefonica.

America Movil; Bharti Airtel; BT Group, Liberty Global; MTN Group; Orange; Reliance Jio; Personal (previously Telecom Argentina); Turkcell; Verizon; and Vodafone Group continue with the same representatives.

GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath rounds the board out.

The technical developments scheduled for the next board’s tenure include setting initial 6G standards, establishing regulatory frameworks for satellite and NTN communications, and spectrum allocations. The ITU’s WRC-27 is scheduled to take place in October and November 2027.

A key focus for the GSMA’s next board is the impact of AI on the mobile sector. Current chair Gopal Vittal said the technology and “open digital platforms” are opportunities to “create significant economic and societal value”, which the organisation would work to unlock.

Vittal is keen to see a continued focus on “digital safety and trust”, along with tackling connectivity and usage gaps.

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