By Alice Chambers |
AI monetisation, network security and device innovation are three key trends shaping the mobile ecosystem, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA)’s 2026 mobile economy report.
Almost half (45 per cent) of mobile operators now view AI-enabled revenue streams as a strategic priority.
“AI monetisation spans a broad spectrum, from core and private-cloud deployments to enterprise and device-level edge applications, with distinct technical and commercial trade-offs at every stage,” the report notes.
Security remains a top focus. Nine in ten operators use multi-layered defence architectures, and 80 per cent have formal incident-response plans.
“AI is a double-edged sword,” said a GSMA spokesperson. “It enhances security capabilities but also introduces new vulnerabilities, making robust governance, continuous monitoring and skilled workforces essential.”
The industry is also shifting from hardware-centric innovation to experience-led value creation, leveraging tools like AI to influence customer decisions and device upgrade cycles.
Speaking at MWC, GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath warned: “To harness AI responsibly and protect people from rising digital threats, the industry must act with urgency. As the sector that connects the world, we have a responsibility to collaborate globally, secure networks, close digital gaps and strengthen trust in the digital economy.”
Despite 96 per cent of the global population living within mobile coverage areas, the report finds that over three billion people remain unconnected to mobile broadband, a usage gap almost ten times larger than the coverage gap. GSMA calls on operators, policymakers and the wider ecosystem to prioritise inclusive access, ensuring the benefits of AI, connectivity and innovation reach everyone.