Artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G networks could add $18 trillion to the world’s economy by 2035, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
But the industry group warns that hitting this target depends on governments agreeing to common rules for AI, fixing gaps in global internet access, and tackling the growing energy demands of tech innovation.
This $18 trillion figure was disclosed during high-level talks with 188 government delegations and 40 international groups, at MWC Barcelona 2025. “The combination of AI and 5G is projected to contribute $18 trillion to the global economy by 2035, transforming industries and societies, but trust remains critical in its adoption,” GSMA says.
While AI could help cut energy waste in farming or mining, the GSMA flagged a major downside: the tech’s power usage. Data centres behind AI already take up 1.5% of the world’s electricity.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, outlines “attracting network investment, unlocking the opportunities of 5G, closing the usage gap, and fostering inclusive and responsible AI innovation,” as policy priorities for the mobile industry.
While AI could help cut energy waste in farming or mining, the GSMA flagged a major downside: the tech’s power usage. Data centres behind AI already take up 1.5% of the world’s electricity.
“AI has enormous potential to enhance energy efficiency, balance renewables on grids, and optimise resource use across sectors, such as agriculture and mining,” GSMA says. “The consensus? AI will be net positive for climate action, but scaling innovation requires financing, skills development, and responsible governance.”
Another key focus of the summit talks is the GSMA mobile infrastructure investment report which reveals who’s footing the bill to keep the internet running. Over the past five years, an average of $244 billion annually has flowed into mobile internet infrastructure—including cell towers, fibre cables, and devices like smartphones.
Here’s what the GSMA report says:
– Mobile operators (MNOs) like Vodafone or AT&T pour $109 billion yearly into networks, covering 85% of infrastructure costs (excluding devices). They’re the backbone of connectivity, building everything from radio towers to core networks.
– Consumers spend $95 billion a year on smartphones and devices, making up nearly half of total investment when gadgets are included.
– Big tech firms like Google or Amazon invest in backbone infrastructure (high-capacity lines between cities or data centers) but their contributions are a fraction compared to MNOs. GSMA says “We estimate that investment in access infrastructure to connect end users is around 19 times greater than investment in backbone infrastructure related to mobile internet connectivity infrastructure, and the core & backhaul network investment is around 8 times greater.”
“As the use of the internet continues to grow and ever more applications rely on its smooth operation, there is an obvious need for continual investments in the underlying connectivity infrastructure,” the GSMA report reads. “However, the internet is not a single, homogeneous entity but an infrastructure made up of many thousands of assets and networks, each with separate owners and investors making discrete investment decisions.”
The GSMA notes that regulators are at the “frontline of translating policy into action—implementing rules to create fair, competitive, and consumer-friendly markets.”
According to the group, “regulating an industry that is evolving faster than ever remains a significant challenge. The call was clear—regulation must evolve, breaking free from traditional silos and embracing a holistic approach to accommodate converging markets and new technologies.”
The GSMA says it is pushing for ”human-centric policies, international collaboration, and responsible governance,” that will “harness the full potential of emerging tech” like satellite, AI and quantum computing.
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