GSMA has published the latest edition of its Mobile Economy APAC Report, during an event co-hosted by Singtel in Singapore last week. The report covers eight countries across the region, highlighting key trends in mobile connectivity, Internet penetration and 5G adoption.
According to the report, 5G will account for 41% of mobile connections in APAC by 2030, with the region predicted to have 1.4 billion 5G connections by the time. This will be driven by a fall in the average price of 5G devices, rapid network expansion in many countries, and concerted efforts by leading governments to integrate mobile-enabled technologies into many aspects of society.
However, despite of 96% mobile broadband coverage across the region, barriers in certain countries mean APAC still has one of the largest usage gaps in the world. Poor digital skills, particularly among older populations, device and service affordability, and online safety concerns are some of the reasons holding back uptake.
Other key findings in the report include:
- Mobile subscribers will rise by 400 million between 2022 and 2030 to reach 2.11 billion
- Mobile penetration will rise to 70% but still trail the global average of 73%
- Smartphone adoption will rise to 94% by 2030, driven by factors such as more affordable devices and improved digital literacy
- 5G will add more than $133bn to the APAC economy in 2030
- The mobile sector added $810bn of economic value to the APAC economy in 2022 (just under 5% of APACs Gross Domestic Product) and will reach almost $1tn ($990bn) by the end of the decade
Key report findings to be discussed at M360 APAC 2023
Delegates attending this year’s edition of M360 Asia Pacific in Seoul will have the opportunity to hear from thought leaders and attend keynotes and panel discussions covering the key topics from the Mobile Economy APAC 2023 report, such as 5G Acceleration, AI, Immersive Technology and Digital Inclusion. M360 Asia Pacific is brought in partnership with Host Sponsor, KT and will convene leading industry figures and policymakers from across the region. We welcome members of the industry to pre-register for M360 Asia Pacific, taking place at Westin Josun, Seoul.
For more information visit www.mobile360series.com/asia-pacific. You can also follow developments on Twitter using the hashtag #Mobile360 or www.linkedin.com/showcase/gsma-mobile-360-series.
Julian Gorman, Head of APAC, GSMA
As the mobile market spanning the world’s largest geographical area, APAC’s connectivity ecosystem is highly nuanced and consists of both pioneering mobile innovators and emerging markets. The region has some of the fastest growing 5G markets in the world today, notably India, which is set to add tens of millions of 5G connections in 2023. However, across APAC as a whole we’re also seeing some of the world’s largest disparities in mobile internet usage. If we are to fully realise the digitally transformation mobile connectivity can bring, we need to establish a flexible, forward-looking regulatory and policy regime to support mobile network deployment and operations. This includes greater efforts to close the digital divide, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.
Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Group Chief Executive Officer, Singtel
Our experience in Singapore has taught us that early adoption of emerging technologies has been critical in enabling the economic development of our nation. This is why Singtel rolled out standalone 5G nationwide coverage three years ahead of regulatory targets, turning Singapore into a testbed for the world to explore new solutions and applications. It is therefore imperative that the ecosystem comprising telcos and hyperscalers to individual developers collaborate to enable new digital experiences for both enterprises and consumers across Singapore and the region, as this will ultimately benefit our communities. We look forward to working with the industry and GSMA to unlock more opportunities for innovation and economic growth with 5G.
