The GSMA has published its latest Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2022 report, which provides a precise picture of the region’s adoption of mobile internet. Currently, mobile broadband networks cover around 96% of the population, a testament to operators’ investment in 3G, 4G, and, increasingly, 5G infrastructure. However, just 44% of the population (1.23 billion users) uses mobile internet services.
A few reasons for this disparity include lack of digital skills, affordability, and online safety concerns. This year’s statement outlines how countries are addressing this difference.
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific of GSMA says, “Addressing the usage gap and extending the benefits of the internet to more people in the society is critical. However, it will require a concerted effort by a broad range of stakeholders, working with mobile operators and other ecosystem players such as gadget manufacturers and digital content developers, to propel adoption and overcome the barriers we see today.”
Mobile benefits
Mobile technology and service continue to make remarkable contributions to Asia Pacific’s economy, generating 5% of GDP in the region in 2021, which equals around $770 billion of economic value. This ecosystem supported approximately 8.8 million jobs in 2021 and made a significant contribution to the funding of the public sector, with around $80 billion raised through taxation.
400m 5G connections by 2025
5G adoption is about to sprint across the Asia Pacific regions as the technology’s impression expands. At present, it is commercially available in 14 markets, including India and Vietnam, going live in the coming months.
According to the information, by 2025, there will be more than 400 million 5G connections, equivalent to just over 14% of total mobile connections. Improvement is more progressive in countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and in Singapore, 5G is expected to account for 55% of the country’s connections by 2025.
Metaverse momentum in the Asia Pacific
The information also explores the origin of the Metaverse and highlights various 5G use cases and other related activities in the region.
Notably, government bodies in the region have started drafting plans to harness the potential platform to increase the efficiency and quality of public services. South Korea has plans to spend $186.7 million to build its Metaverse ecosystem, and Thailand’s Tourism Authority leveraged the technology to promote tourism in the country.
Policies for digital innovation
Policymakers and regulators can increase growth and innovation by establishing a flexible futuristic regulatory regime to support mobile network deployment and operations. The report provides insights on priority areas where regulatory reforms would yield maximum rewards for the region.
Mobile 360 Asia Pacific in Singapore
APAC’s ratification of 5G will be center stage at the GSMA’s Mobile 360 Asia Pacific conference on 2-3 August 2022 at the JW Marriott South Beach Hotel in Singapore. The two-day agenda will include inspiring keynotes and discussions on how a digital nation strategy is essential in the post-pandemic global economy.
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