5G installation to accelerate across Asia Pacific but the utility gap remains significant: GSMA

The introduction of 5G is planned to accelerate across Asia Pacific but the consumption gap will remain significant, according to a new GSMA report. It should be noted that broadband networks cover approximately 96 percent of the population in the region. However, only 44 percent of the people (1.23 billion users) use mobile internet services.

According to the report, the reasons for these differences include a lack of digital skills, accessibility and security concerns over the Internet. “Addressing the use of and expanding the benefits of the Internet for more people in the community is crucial,” said Asia Pacific GSMA Head Julian Gorman. “However, it will require the concerted effort of broad stakeholders, working in partnership with mobile operators and other ecosystem players such as machine producers and creators of digital content, driving discovery and overcoming the obstacles we see today.”

5G is available commercially in 14 markets, including India and Vietnam, which will be live in the coming months. It should be noted that mobile technology and services continue to play a significant role in the Asia Pacific economy, generating 5 percent of GDP in the region by 2021, equivalent to approximately 770 billion economic value. The report reveals that the mobile internet integration of 3G and 4G services increased an estimated 8.8 million jobs by 2021 and made a significant contribution to public sector funding, with approximately $ 80 billion in tax revenue.

According to the report, by 2025, more than 400 million 5G connections, equivalent to more than 14 percent of full mobile communications, will be connected. “Progress has made great strides in countries such as Australia, Japan and South Korea and in Singapore 5G is expected to be 55 percent global in 2025,” the company said in a statement.

In addition, the report highlights the various conditions for using 5G and other related services in the region. South Korea plans to spend $ 186.7 million to create a metaverse ecosystem, while the Thai Tourism Authority used technology to boost tourism in the country, and places its bets on 5G services.