GSMA

The GSMA is a global organisation uniting over 1,000 mobile operators and businesses in the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation, improve connectivity, and deliver solutions benefiting individuals, industries, and societies. Its vision is to unlock the full potential of connectivity, enabling people and industries to thrive while addressing critical societal challenges.

GSMA was founded in 1982, played a key role in advancing mobile technologies, from GSM to 5G, and is now exploring the future with innovations like 6G, IoT, and AI. Based in London, the GSMA aligns its work with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prioritising sustainability and striving for carbon-neutral operations. Through the GSMA Foundation, it promotes digital and financial inclusion in low-income areas, helping to extend connectivity and drive social progress around the world.

The GSMA operates through three core pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Solutions, and Events. Connectivity for Good focuses on reducing inequalities, promoting digital inclusion, and tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. This involves working with governments, civil society, and industry members to advance policies and spectrum outcomes, ensuring access to digital technologies for underserved communities.

Industry Solutions supports the development of mobile technology and standards, including 5G, Mobile IoT, fraud prevention, and security enhancements. Through collaborative projects, working groups, and tools, it addresses operational challenges and enhances customer experiences while ensuring network reliability and resilience.

The GSMA also organises industry-leading Events, such as the Mobile World Congress (MWC), held annually in Barcelona, Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Africa. These events bring together global leaders to foster collaboration, showcase technological advancements, and discuss emerging trends. Additionally, the M360 series focuses on regional developments and challenges.

GSMA Intelligence, the organisation's research and data analytics platform, provides in-depth insights into global mobile industry trends, precise forecasts, and analytics. It equips stakeholders with the tools to make informed decisions by delivering data on market dynamics, technological advancements, and financial developments.

The GSMA began as the Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) in 1982 under the Confederation of European Posts and Telecommunications (CEPT). It was established to develop a pan-European mobile standard to ensure interoperability and consistent mobile communication across countries. In 1984, France and Germany signed a joint agreement to develop GSM technology, paving the way for the creation of an internationally unified mobile system.

In 1987, representatives from 13 countries signed the GSM Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Copenhagen. This agreement committed participants to the deployment of GSM networks. By 1988, the first set of detailed GSM specifications was finalised, providing the foundation for global infrastructure tendering. In 1991, the first-ever GSM call was made by Radiolinja in Finland, marking the launch of a global communication revolution. That same year, the first international roaming agreement was signed between Vodafone UK and Telecom Finland.

The GSM MoU Association was formally registered in Switzerland in 1995, signifying the transformation of GSM from a European initiative to a global one. The organisation launched the GSM World Congress, later renamed the Mobile World Congress (MWC), to bring together industry leaders. By the late 1990s, GSM connections had reached 100 million globally, with new features such as SMS and data/fax services becoming mainstream. The first prepaid GSM SIM cards were introduced during this period, further expanding accessibility.

In the 2000s, the GSMA led the development and deployment of mobile data technologies. The introduction of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) allowed mobile devices to access data services like email and social networking. Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) followed, providing higher data speeds. By 2005, global GSM connections had surpassed one billion, accounting for 75% of the global mobile market. The GSMA also began facilitating the rollout of 3G and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technologies, further advancing mobile broadband services.

The GSMA's influence extended beyond mobile standards with the establishment of Mobile Money services and the creation of the Mobile World Capital in Barcelona in 2011. The Mobile IoT initiative was launched to enable Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies, which supported the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. By 2016, the GSMA aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), committing the mobile industry to addressing issues such as climate change, digital inclusion, and financial accessibility.

GSMA Intelligence, the organisation's analytics arm, became a key resource for tracking global mobile industry trends. It provided in-depth insights, forecasts, and data to help industry players make informed decisions. In parallel, the GSMA introduced the Global Mobile Money Certification Scheme in 2018 to standardise and secure mobile financial services.

In the 2020s, the GSMA focused heavily on 5G deployment, enabling faster and more reliable connectivity worldwide. Despite challenges such as the global pandemic in 2020, the organisation continued its mission through virtual and in-person events. It played a crucial role in ensuring network reliability and security while addressing challenges like spectrum management and fraud prevention.

The GSMA’s events, including MWC Barcelona, Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Africa, have become key platforms for collaboration, innovation, and showcasing advancements in mobile technology. The organisation’s M360 series addresses regional connectivity challenges and solutions. By 2023, GSMA events drew thousands of attendees globally, solidifying their status as pivotal gatherings for the mobile ecosystem.

Today, the GSMA continues to lead efforts in emerging technologies such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT. Its GSMA Foundation focuses on improving digital and financial inclusion in underserved regions, with impactful programmes addressing gender equality, climate resilience, and humanitarian challenges. Headquartered in London, the GSMA remains central to shaping the future of mobile connectivity, fostering innovation, and addressing global challenges.

The GSMA’s primary goal is to unite the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation, advance technology, and address global challenges. Its purpose is to maximise the potential of connectivity, enabling people, industries, and societies to thrive in a connected world.

The GSMA aims to make mobile technology accessible, affordable, and reliable for everyone, focusing on reducing inequalities and promoting digital inclusion. It works with governments, civil society, and industry leaders to create policies that support positive outcomes, tackle global challenges such as climate change and sustainability, and ensure the responsible use of mobile technologies.

A key objective is to promote collaboration across the mobile ecosystem to improve interoperability, set global standards, and advance new technologies such as 5G, IoT, and AI. The GSMA also aligns its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues like digital literacy, financial inclusion, and climate resilience.

Additionally, the GSMA supports its members through services like network optimisation, fraud prevention, and data analytics. Through events such as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and M360 series, it fosters collaboration and innovation. Overall, its purpose is to create a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future through mobile connectivity.

The GSMA has a significant impact on the global mobile industry, society, and the environment. It unites over 1,000 mobile operators and businesses, advancing mobile technologies such as 5G, IoT, and AI while promoting interoperability and standardisation for seamless global connectivity.

Through its Connectivity for Good initiative, the GSMA addresses critical challenges like digital inclusion, climate change, and sustainability. It reduces inequalities by expanding mobile access to underserved regions, improving financial inclusion, and supporting digital education. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring sustainable development and societal progress.

The organisation’s events, including the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and M360 series, connect global leaders, enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological advancements. These events serve as platforms to foster partnerships and explore innovations.

GSMA Intelligence, the GSMA’s research and data analytics arm, provides in-depth insights into market trends, forecasts, and technological developments. It supports stakeholders in making informed decisions by offering comprehensive data on mobile broadband, IoT, 5G deployment, and more.

The GSMA Foundation positively impacts millions of lives through initiatives in financial inclusion, gender equality, climate resilience, and humanitarian innovation. Overall, the GSMA plays a critical role in creating a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future.