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1、The MobileEconomyEurasia 2024 The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover,develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change.Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people,industry and society thriv

2、e.Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries,the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars:Connectivity for Good,Industry Services and Solutions,and Outreach.This activity includes advancing policy,tackling todays biggest societ

3、al challenges,underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work,and providing the worlds largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.We invite you to find out more at Follow the GSMA on LinkedInFollow the GSMA on X:GSMAGSMA Intelligence

4、is the definitive source of global mobile operator data,analysis and forecasts,and publisher of authoritative industry reports and research.Our data covers every operator group,network and MVNO in every country worldwide from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.It is the most accurate and complete set of indust

5、ry metrics available,comprising tens of millions of individual data points,updated daily.GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading operators,vendors,regulators,financial institutions and third-party industry players,to support strategic decision-making and long-term investment planning.The data is u

6、sed as an industry reference point and is frequently cited by the media and by the industry itself.Our team of analysts and experts produce regular thought-leading research reports across a range of industry Copyright 2024 GSMAContentsExecutive summary21.The mobile industry in numbers102.Mobile indu

7、stry trends212.15G:growing global momentum but still early days in Eurasia222.2Network APIs:operators aim to unlock new network monetisation opportunities252.3AI:opportunities abound for operators272.4Fintech:smartphone connectivity fuels digital payments282.5Satellite:aerial solutions hold promise

8、to improve connectivity303.Mobile industry impact323.1Action on climate change333.2The mobile industrys impact on the SDGs354.Mobile industry enablers37The early stages of 5G development are underway in Eurasia.1 Governments in the region are prioritising the technologys integration into national de

9、velopment plans,and operators are investing in 5G infrastructure and applications to meet the growing demand for enhanced connectivity.The Eurasia region is expected to experience a significant increase in 5G adoption in the next few years,based on a return to stable conditions,with projections risi

10、ng from less than 1%currently to just over 40%by 2030.Although 4G will remain the dominant technology for the foreseeable future,4G adoption levels will begin to decline from 2026 as 5G gathers momentum because of the availability of more affordable 5G smartphones.Mobile technologies and services co

11、ntributed around$200 billion to the Eurasian economy in 2023,equivalent to 7.9%of GDP,and supported around 770,000 jobs(directly and indirectly)across the region.As 5G takes off,its impact will be felt across different sectors of the economy and by 2030,it will account for more than 10%of the overal

12、l economic impact of mobile.While these economic benefits highlight the importance of mobile to the digital economy,they also underscore the need for collaborative efforts to close the significant digital divide in Eurasia by extending coverage to underserved areas and addressing barriers to the usa

13、ge of mobile services.Growing 5G activities amid digitalisation ambitionsExecutive summary1.Unless otherwise stated,we define Eurasia in this report as Armenia,Azerbaijan,Belarus,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,Russia,Tajikistan,Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.2/42Executive summaryEarly days for 5G in Eurasia5G i

14、s pivotal for ongoing digital transformation efforts in Eurasia.Currently,seven operators across Armenia,Kazakhstan,Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have introduced commercial 5G services,albeit with limited coverage.The initial focus has been on addressing increasing connectivity needs,particularly in hig

15、h-demand urban areas.5G fixed wireless access(FWA)is emerging as a promising solution,serving as a last-mile technology to offer broadband connectivity for homes and businesses.This underscores 5Gs potential to bridge connectivity gaps and accelerate socioeconomic development across Eurasia.Operator

16、s rally behind the GSMA Open Gateway initiativeAlthough it has been possible to expose network APIs for some time,operators have struggled to adopt a standardised approach that achieves scale.However,recent initiatives by the mobile industry have sought to bring fresh momentum behind developing a co

17、mmon set of network APIs.In February 2024,Veon announced the launch of the Geolocation Gateway,which uses the Open Gateway Device Location API to enable applications to determine the location of devices.The Geolocation Gateway has a wide range of use cases,including proximity-based commercial servic

18、es,fraud reduction in financial services and location-based emergency responses.AI opportunities for operatorsMobile operators in the region are integrating AI,particularly generative AI(genAI),to enhance customer services,sales,marketing and network management.Operators such as MTS and Veon are inc

19、reasingly developing use cases,including climate-action solutions and platforms that support local languages to improve the customer experience.Furthermore,operators are prioritising the ethical use of AI and developing partnerships,such as the collaboration between the GSMA and IBM.Although interes

20、t is growing in Eurasia,AI adoption remains limited in the region.Key trends shaping the mobile ecosystem3/42Executive summaryFintech being fuelled by smartphone connectivityThe fintech industry has experienced remarkable growth in Eurasia as digital payments continue to be a dominant service.Kazakh

21、stan and Uzbekistan in particular possess thriving fintech landscapes thanks to initiatives such as open banking and the introduction of digital currencies.Diverse payment methods,including mobile payments,QR code transactions and buy now,pay later(BNPL)services cater to individuals and businesses,f

22、ostering financial integration.Operators in both countries have introduced mobile payment options to explore opportunities to generate revenues beyond core services and to enhance the customer experience.The further expansion of fintech in Eurasia will offer opportunities for operators,particularly

23、with growing 4G and 5G adoption.Aerial solutions hold promise to improve connectivityThe challenging geographies and sparse populations of Eurasian countries highlight the significant role that aerial technologies could play in improving connectivity.Collaboration between telecoms operators and sate

24、llite providers will be crucial to realising this potential.For satellite providers,partnerships with operators are crucial to scale their services up,while operators can benefit from improved access to untapped markets in remote areas and better support emergency services where terrestrial signals

25、are absent.4/42Executive summaryPolicies for growth and innovation Policymakers should prioritise spectrum policy to enhance rural coverage,increase network capacity in urban areas and incentivise network infrastructure investment while avoiding restrictive licensing terms.Low-band spectrum is vital

26、 for bridging the digital gap,especially in sparsely populated regions.Mid-band frequencies such as 3.5 GHz are crucial for high-speed connectivity,with 6 GHz being pivotal for future growth.At the same time,harmonising EMF rules with international standards is essential for efficient network deploy

27、ment and to preserve the affordability of services.Furthermore,tax reforms,particularly the reduction of sector-specific fees and corporate taxes,are needed to encourage investment in mobile infrastructure and promote economic growth in Eurasia.Low-band spectrum is vital for bridging the digital gap

28、,especially in sparsely populated regions5/42Executive summary78%penetration rate*Percentage of population*Percentage of populationCAGR 2023-2030Uniquemobile subscribers200m171m80%penetration rate*2030Mobile internetusersSIMconnections4G191m0.6%52%(excluding licensed cellular IoT)202368%penetration

29、rate*69%penetration rate*2030167m2023136%penetration rate*Percentage of populationCAGR 2023-2030337m135%penetration rate*2030333m0.2%2023CAGR 2023-20300.4%69%2023203041%0.2%20232030Percentage of connections(excluding licensed cellular IoT)5GPercentage of connections(excluding licensed cellular IoT)9

30、3%83%2023203020232030Operator capex for the period 20232030:20237.9%of GDPTotal revenuesThe Mobile Economy EurasiaLicensedcellularIoT connectionsSmartphonesPercentage of connectionsMobiles contribution to GDP$14bnPublic fundingMobile ecosystem contribution to public funding(before regulatory and spe

31、ctrum fees)Operator revenues and investmentTotal revenues$21bn$23bnEmployment530,000Jobs directly supported bythe mobile ecosystemPlus 240,000indirect jobs104m203057m2023$32bn$220bn$200bn20232023203093%83%2023203020232030Operator capex for the period 20232030:20237.9%of GDPTotal revenues8/42Executiv

32、e summary9/42Executive summaryNote:Totals may not add up due to roundingSubscriber and technology trends for selected Eurasian markets3+39+58+K9+25+66+0+K39%9%25%66%3%2023203058%0.1%3G2G4G5G20232030Belarus Technology mix88%93%Subscriber penetration2023203089%93%Smartphone adoption3G2G4G5G20232030Kaz

33、akhstanTechnology mix83%94%Subscriber penetration2023203059%61%Smartphone adoption1+10+47+42+K4+30+66+0+K66%47%30%2023203042%4%1%10%0.1%3G2G4G5G20232030RussiaTechnology mix83%93%Subscriber penetration2023203088%90%Smartphone adoption0+0+58+42+K8+16+76+0+K58%8%16%76%2023203042%3G2G4G5G20232030Uzbekis

34、tanTechnology mix86%93%Subscriber penetration2023203060%62%Smartphone adoption2+20+29+49+K8+43+48+1+K29%1%8%43%48%20%2%2023203049%01The mobile industry in numbersEurasia will have 200 million subscribers by 2030 By the end of 2023,191 million people in Eurasia(78%of the population)subscribed to a mo

35、bile service.There will be almost 9 million additional subscribers over the period to 2030,reflecting the efforts of the mobile industry to bridge the digital divide and increase coverage.Although the industry continues to invest in innovative solutions and partnerships to extend connectivity to sti

36、ll underserved and far-flung communities,the adoption of mobile internet services has not kept pace with the expansion of network coverage.This has resulted in a significant usage gap.In 2023,the usage gap was widest in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan at around 51%and 48%of the population,respectively,w

37、hile the usage gap was lowest in Russia and Armenia at below 25%,compared to the global average of 37%.Figure 1Eurasia:mobile internet connectivity,2023Percentage of population Source:GSMA IntelligenceAzerbaijanArmeniaBelarusKazakhstanKyrgyzstanRussiaTajikistanTurkmenistanUzbekistanGlobalConnectedUs

38、age gapCoverage gap67%33%58%37%45%45%39%51%42%48%80%18%43%47%49%47%68%31%75%24%1.0%0.2%0%4%10%10%10%10%2%4%11/42The mobile industry in numbersGrowing 4G adoption is paving the way for 5G 4G adoption in Eurasia will continue to rise until 2025,with 5G poised for significant growth thereafter.Despite

39、the anticipated 5G growth,operators will continue to prioritise the expansion of 4G capacity in urban areas and extend coverage to underserved regions in the medium term,aiming to boost consumer adoption.In 2023,Beeline completed its upgrades to support the 4G experience on its network to cover 14 r

40、egions of Uzbekistan,providing 4G across 54 cities and 137 districts.Across Eurasia,4G accounted for 69%of total connections in 2023,with this figure expected to reach 81%by 2025.Figure 2Eurasia:mobile adoption by technologyPercentage of total connectionsSource:GSMA Intelligence90%80%70%60%50%40%30%

41、20%10%0%202320242025202620272028202920305G41%3G6%2G1%4G52%12/42The mobile industry in numbersFigure 35G adoption Percentage of total connections*Australia,Japan,New Zealand,Singapore and South Korea Source:GSMA Intelligence5G adoption in the region to surpass 40%by 2030 5G is currently available in

42、Armenia,Kazakhstan,Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,with more countries in Eurasia expected to launch the technology in the coming years.Some operators have announced plans to accelerate network rollouts.For example,Kcell and Tele2(Kazakhtelecom Group)plan to deploy more than 2,700 5G base stations in 2024

43、 and around another 3,200 in 2025.Meanwhile,in Uzbekistan,Perfectum Mobile and Nokia aim to launch a 5G network by October 2024.However,most operators are likely to take a phased approach to 5G deployment,rolling out networks in urban areas first and expanding coverage as demand rises in other areas

44、.5G FWA is also gaining momentum in the region,improving the coverage of 5G technology.These trends will continue to gain momentum in the coming years as the affordability of 5G devices improves.5G connections(2030)99m1.69bn296m654m443mEmerging 5G marketsLeading 5G marketsGCC statesGreater ChinaDeve

45、loped Asia Pacific*EuropeNorth America425mLatin America1.14bnRest of Asia Pacific347mRest of MENA95%93%90%88%81%234mSub-Saharan Africa138mEurasia20232024-2030 increase41%55%44%40%17%13/42The mobile industry in numbersMobile data traffic in Eurasia to grow threefold between 2023 and 2030 Monthly mobi

46、le data traffic per connection in Eurasia is projected to reach 40 GB by 2030,driven by increasing 4G,and subsequently 5G,adoption.An increase in the availability of locally relevant online content and services,including e-government services and social media platforms,is also driving data consumpti

47、on.However,affordability remains a barrier,as countries such as Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have not reached the affordability target of 2%of monthly gross national income per capita target set by the Broadband Commission.Social tariffs with reduced data allowances tailored to low-income

48、subscribers can enhance inclusivity.Device affordability should also be considered to spur 5G adoption.Figure 4Global mobile data traffic EB per month*Asia Pacific excludes Greater China Source:GSMA Intelligence20232024202520262027202820292030500450400350300250200150100500Mobile data traffic per con

49、nection(GB per month)Region20232030CAGR 20232030Asia Pacific*145321%Eurasia134018%Europe177122%Greater China135423%Latin America73223%MENA103118%North America299017%Sub-Saharan Africa2923%14/42The mobile industry in numbersAsia Pacific*Greater ChinaSub-Saharan AfricaMENALatin AmericaEurasiaEuropeNor

50、th AmericaOver 100 million IoT connections in Eurasia by 2030 Licensed cellular IoT connections in Eurasia are expected to nearly double between 2023 and 2030,reaching 104 million by 2030.Russia is expected to lead on IoT deployments with 93 million connections by 2030,followed by Kazakhstan with 4

51、million connections by the same year.Government-led digital development initiatives will drive IoT expansion,with potential applications in transportation,smart cities,agriculture and climate action.Kazakhstans adoption of a national NB-IoT standard in 2023 has spurred interest in the IoT market amo

52、ng stakeholders,including manufacturers and suppliers of smart devices and NB-IoT solutions.Such initiatives offer operators an opportunity to diversify and develop solutions across vertical sectors.Figure 5Licensed cellular IoT connectionsBillionSource:GSMA Intelligence20232024202520262027202820292

53、03076543210Rest of the worldEurasia104m62m15/42The mobile industry in numbersBy 2030,mobile revenues will reach$23 billion in EurasiaMobile revenue growth in Eurasia is expected to moderate in the coming years as investments in 5G infrastructure increase.Capex is expected to reduce between 2028 and

54、2030,based on stable regional conditions,as operators aim to realise returns from their 5G investments and a growing user base.Given the high costs of deploying physical infrastructure for mobile broadband in rural areas,investment in alternative technology solutions such as satellite backhaul and s

55、olar/wind-powered base stations,as well as innovative partnerships between stakeholders,remain crucial for extending network coverage.Furthermore,growing interest in the adoption of technologies such as AI and IoT can enhance operators efficiency and unlock revenue diversification opportunities.Figu

56、re 6Eurasia:mobile revenue and capex to revenueBillionSource:GSMA Intelligence20232024202520262027202820292030$30$25$20$15$10$5$014%17%20%20%20%19%19%17%16/42The mobile industry in numbersRevenueCapex to revenue(%)Mobile added$200 billion of economic value to the Eurasian economy in 2023In 2023,mobi

57、le technologies and services generated 7.9%of GDP across Eurasia,a contribution that amounted to$200 billion of economic value added.The greatest benefits came from the productivity effects reaching$160 billion,followed by mobile operators,which generated$15 billion.The mobile ecosystem comprises th

58、ree categories:mobile operators;infrastructure and equipment providers;and content and services.The infrastructure and equipment providers category includes network equipment providers,device manufacturers and IoT companies.Meanwhile,content and services encompass content,mobile application and serv

59、ice providers,distributors and retailers,and mobile cloud services.Figure 7Eurasia:total economic contribution of mobile,2023BillionSource:GSMA IntelligenceInfrastructure and equipment providersMobile operatorsContent and servicesIndirectProductivityTotal$10$15$5$10$160$200Mobile ecosystem7.9%6.5%0.

60、2%0.4%0.6%0.2%17/42The mobile industry in numbersMobiles economic contribution to reach$220 billion by 2030 By 2030,mobiles contribution will reach$220 billion in Eurasia,driven mostly by the continued expansion of the mobile ecosystem and verticals increasingly benefiting from the improvements in p

61、roductivity and efficiency brought about by the take-up of mobile services.The mobile ecosystem in Eurasia supported 770,000 jobs in 2023Mobile operators and the wider mobile ecosystem provided direct employment to approximately 530,000 people in Eurasia in 2023.In addition,economic activity in the

62、ecosystem generated around 240,000 jobs in other sectors,meaning that around 770,000 jobs were directly or indirectly supported.Figure 9Eurasia:employment impact of the mobile ecosystem,2023Jobs(thousand)Source:GSMA IntelligenceDirectIndirectTotalFigure 8Economic impact of mobile BillionSource:GSMA

63、Intelligence20302023$5,950$220$20053024077018/42The mobile industry in numbersThe fiscal contribution of the mobile ecosystem reached$14 billion in 2023In 2023,the mobile sector in Eurasia made a substantial contribution to the funding of the public sector,with around$14 billion raised through taxes

64、.A large contribution was driven by services VAT,sales taxes and excise duties ($5 billion),followed by employment taxes and social security($4 billion).Figure 10Eurasia:fiscal contribution of the mobile ecosystem,2023 BillionNote:Totals may not add up due to rounding Source:GSMA IntelligenceService

65、s VAT,sales taxes and excise dutiesHandset VAT,sales taxes,excise and customs dutiesCorporate taxes on profitsEmployment taxes and social securityTotal$14$4$1$3$519/42The mobile industry in numbersFigure 11Eurasia:annual 5G contribution by industry BillionSource:GSMA Intelligence5G will add almost$2

66、3 billion to the Eurasian economy in 2030 5G is expected to benefit the Eurasian economy by$23 billion in 2030,accounting for more than 10%of the overall economic impact of mobile.Much of the 5G benefit will materialise over the period to 2030,as countries in Eurasia are in the early stages of deplo

67、yment.The economic benefits of 5G will increase as the technology starts to achieve scale and widespread adoption.While 5G is expected to benefit most sectors of the Eurasian economy,some industries will benefit more than others due to their ability to incorporate 5G use cases in their business.Betw

68、een 2023 and 2030,28%of the benefits are expected to originate from the services sector,22%from manufacturing driven by applications in smart factories,smart grids and IoT-enabled products and 21%from oil and gas,utilities management,construction and agriculture.Other20232024202520262027202820292030

69、$25$20$15$10$5$028%22%5%21%19%5%Services(public administration,finance,healthcare,education)Utilities management,construction,oil and gas,agricultureRetailManufacturingICT20/42The mobile industry in numbers02Mobile industry trends2.1 5G:growing global momentum but still early days in Eurasia5G techn

70、ology is now available in more than 100 countries around the world.As of February 2024,291 operators in 112 countries had launched commercial 5G services.GSMA Intelligence data shows that the number of 5G connections will reach 2 billion globally by the end of 2024,accounting for nearly a quarter of

71、 total mobile connections.In several pioneer countries,notably China,South Korea and the US,5G adoption has reached mass-market levels,where it accounts for more than half of total connections.The majority of 5G networks have been constructed using non-standalone(NSA)architecture,prioritising wide-a

72、rea coverage,capacity and reliability.However,there is a growing shift towards standalone(SA)architecture and new standards,which will help unlock innovative 5G applications and generate new revenue streams.As of February 2024,51 operators globally offered commercial 5G services on SA networks,while

73、 more than half of operators surveyed in the GSMA Intelligence Network Transformation Survey 2023 expect to deploy 5G-Advanced within a year after standards are released as part of 3GPP Release 18 in 2024.22/42Mobile industry trendsFigure 125G landscape in EurasiaRussiaKyrgyzstanTurkmenistanAzerbaij

74、anTajikistanKazakhstanUzbekistanArmeniaLive commercial 5G networkPlanned commercial 5G networkCountries in Eurasia take initial steps towards 5G5G will play an important role in Eurasias connectivity landscape.In recent years,governments across the region have announced national development plans,wi

75、th the intention of leveraging 5G technologies to drive digital transformation across industries and wider society.Uzbekistans Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy and Kazakhstans Digital Kazakhstan strategy are examples of initiatives that aim to use advanced mobile networks,such as 5G,to transform soc

76、iety.Seven operators from four markets in the region(Armenia,Kazakhstan,Tajikistan and Uzbekistan)have launched commercial 5G networks,albeit with limited coverage.Access to spectrum for 5G networks is a crucial step towards the launch of commercial services.In Armenia,the Public Services Regulatory

77、 Commission has awarded licences for spectrum in the 700 and 800 MHz bands for 5G services.In Kazakhstan,Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,regulators have assigned mid-band spectrum for 5G services to operators.The 700 MHz band has been auctioned for 5G in Kazakhstan and was already licensed for 4G in Uzbek

78、istan.However,there is still a need for regional TV broadcasting replanning and harmonisation of the 700 MHz band for 4G and 5G networks.Source:GSMA Intelligence23/42Mobile industry trends5G momentum is also building elsewhere,with ongoing 5G trials in several countries,including Azerbaijan,Kyrgyzst

79、an and Russia.In Kyrgyzstan,for example,O!is testing 5G in the n77 and n78(34003800 MHz)frequency ranges and will initially integrate its 5G network with existing 4G networks.This will be in line with the move by the majority of operators to initially launch 5G on NSA architecture.However,5G SA appe

80、ars to be on the horizon in Eurasia;at MWC Barcelona 2024,Perfectum Mobile signed a deal with Nokia and Uzbekistans Ministry of Digital Development to deploy a 5G SA network in Uzbekistan.Meanwhile,Belarus appears to be leaning towards the single wholesale network(SWN)model for 5G deployment,as it a

81、lready implemented a SWN for 4G.In January 2024,the countrys Council for Strategic Projects,tasked with evaluating deployment options for 5G networks,chose common infrastructure over free-for-all competition.2 However,the use of SWNs for 4G and 5G services have been largely unsuccessful in other mar

82、kets,given the significant limitations of this model.For example,Malaysia is in the process of implementing a dual wholesale network(DWN)following challenges experienced by the SWN,especially in coordination with private-sector partners,which led to sluggish 5G adoption.Globally,many SWNs have also

83、failed to materialise or have been significantly delayed,as observed in countries such as Kenya and South Africa.Furthermore,SWNs that were implemented often fell short of achieving universal coverage,exemplified by the bankruptcy of the 4G wholesale network provider in Mexico in 2021.In Rwanda,afte

84、r six years of operation of a SWN,the government decided to revert to a competitive model in 2022 as well.The SWN experience for 4G in Belarus has also led to slower deployment compared to competitive models in other countries.A key objective of the SWN is to reduce network deployment costs and incr

85、ease resource efficiency.However,this comes at the expense of network competition,which has been shown to drive innovation and investment.Moreover,operators have achieved the same network efficiencies by engaging in voluntary network sharing.A GSMA and World Bank study3 showed that active sharing ca

86、n deliver similar levels of coverage to SWNs while maintaining a greater degree of service competition.Operators should therefore be allowed to fully leverage the benefits of both voluntary passive and active network sharing to achieve cost-effective 5G network deployment.In particular,this is requi

87、red for coverage extension in rural areas,but should also be allowed in urban areas to reduce costs.Early use casesLike in most markets,early 5G use cases in Eurasia will revolve around enhanced mobile broadband and FWA services to meet the growing demand for connectivity.5G FWA is particularly prom

88、ising in rural areas,using 5G as a last-mile technology to provide broadband connectivity for residential and business customers.For example,Kcell has cited 5G FWA as a key service in its 5G portfolio to reach areas of Kazakhstan where it is not physically possible to lay internet cables due to comp

89、lex terrains.A significant challenge hindering 5G adoption in Eurasia,particularly for consumers,is the limited availability and affordability of 5G-enabled smartphones,customer-premises equipment(CPE)and other devices.In 2023,officials in Kyrgyzstan noted that just 5%of smartphones imported into th

90、e country supported 5G.4 While the fall in the average selling price of 5G-enabled devices bodes well for local consumers,authorities in the region still have a role to play in making devices more affordable,especially around reducing or eliminating duties on these devices to support adoption and,by

91、 extension,the growth of the digital economy.2.Council for Strategic Projects in favor of common 5G infrastructure in Belarus,BelTA News Agency,January 20243.Using Geospatial Analysis to Overhaul Connectivity Policies,GSMA Intelligence,20224.5G supported by only 5%of smartphones brought to Kyrgyzsta

92、n-Minister on digitalization,AKIpress News Agency,June 202324/42Mobile industry trends2.2 Network APIs:operators aim to unlock new network monetisation opportunities While network APIs have been available for some time,operators have faced challenges in adopting a standardised approach to achieve sc

93、alability.However,recent initiatives by the mobile industry have sought to bring fresh momentum behind developing a common set of network APIs.This began when Telefnica officially launched CAMARA(Telco Global API Alliance)at MWC Barcelona 2022 in collaboration with the Linux Foundation,other operato

94、rs and hyperscalers.It was then extended with the launch of the GSMAs Open Gateway initiative at MWC Barcelona 2023.As of March 2024,48 operator groups had signed up to the GSMA Open Gateway initiative,accounting for 240 mobile networks and 66%of mobile connections globally.The initiative has focuse

95、d on commercialising eight network APIs(see Figure 13),with plans to launch further APIs at a later date.Figure 13 GSMA Open Gateway APIsSource:GSMA Intelligence API nameDescriptionExample use caseCarrier Billing Check OutAllows an online merchant to enable the purchase of third-party digital goods

96、by requesting payment against the users operator carrier billing systemMobile payments across media,gaming,mobile services,ticketing,content and other digital servicesDevice LocationAllows an application to check if a mobile device is in proximity of a given locationAsset tracking,fraud prevention(b

97、anking,payments),retail marketing,traffic management of dronesDevice StatusChecks the connectivity status of user equipment(in its current version,this API only checks the roaming status of a device)Fraud prevention(banking,payments),regulatory compliance,service delivery(e.g.a content provider may

98、need to enforce territory restrictions of their content)Number VerificationEnables the authentication of a mobile device by the mobile network Application login,application onboarding,application password resetOne-Time Password SMSDelivers a short-lived one-time password to a mobile phone number via

99、 SMSAccount management(e.g.password reset),high-value transactions,onboarding for digital services(e.g.banking,social media)Quality on DemandAllows an application developer to request stable latency or throughput for specified application data flows between application clients and application server

100、sReal-time media and entertainment(e.g.online gamers requiring a guaranteed level of quality to ensure a good user experience),remote control of machine and vehicles(e.g.automated guided vehicles requiring stable data throughput and low latency)Simple Edge DiscoveryAllows an application to discover

101、the nearest edge-cloud node to connect to(telco edge cloud or hyperscaler edge cloud,whichever is required)All edge-cloud use cases(e.g.automotive,mixed/augmented reality,high-resolution video streaming,cloud gaming,remote control of moving objects or vehicles)SIM SwapChecks the last time that the S

102、IM card associated with a mobile number has changedFraud prevention in banking,fraud prevention for password reset25/42Mobile industry trendsThe rationale for exposing network capabilities via APIsBy allowing developers to tap into network capabilities without directly engaging the operator,develope

103、rs can innovate more easily and quickly,delivering use cases with more value than undifferentiated connectivity.Operators view network API exposure as crucial to maximising returns on their network investments,enabling them to generate higher returns compared to the traditional approach of selling s

104、tandard connectivity services.Mobile identity and data APIs are well established in some Eurasian markets.In Russia,the mobile operators launched Mobile ID,a cross-operator product that allows users to register and verify their data on the sites of online stores,banks,educational services,tour opera

105、tors and other online resources using a phone number instead of a traditional login and password.Mobile ID is an efficient and safe identity solution that is developed based on GSMAs Mobile Connect.Mobile operators in the Eurasia region are beginning to explore the full potential of other capabiliti

106、es built into mobile networks,as highlighted by the launch of Veons Geolocation Gateway.Network API exposure will be a key theme in 2024,and the next 12 months will bring more operator commitments and further market launches.However,with 80%of operators claiming to have exposed network APIs on a com

107、mercial basis,5 concrete examples of how federation and agreement on common APIs can drive success will be key to drive usage.This will require operators to focus on the developer experience,dedicating internal resources to work directly with developers while building partnerships with API aggregato

108、rs that can help operators reach a broader set of developers.Veon launches Geolocation Gateway,enabling proximity-based digital services In February 2024,Veon announced the launch of the Geolocation Gateway,which allows applications to determine the location of devices.The initiative builds on the G

109、SMA Open Gateway framework,leveraging the Device Location API.The Geolocation Gateway will enable a wide range of use cases,including the following:Proximity-based commercial services:It will enable companies to provide targeted communications to participating customers,with their consent,based on p

110、roximity to an event,restaurant or shop.Fraud reduction:It will allow financial institutions to determine if an individual is actually present during a transaction,such as an ATM withdrawal or a credit card payment.Location-based emergency response:It can provide authorities with the ability to warn

111、 individuals in specific locations about impending natural disasters such as floods,earthquakes or cyclones.The Geolocation Gateway was developed by Veon in partnership with Nokia and Infobip.The first implementation of the service is a commercial use case,where an Uzbekistan-based country-wide pizz

112、a restaurant chain worked with Beeline Uzbekistan and Veon Adtech,both of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Veon Group,to grow its business through precision-marketing based on the Geolocation Gateway APIs.The solution will be scaled to other digital operators of Veon Group and is also avai

113、lable for licensing by other mobile operators.Developed in accordance with international privacy laws and data protection regulations,Geolocation Gateway provides only anonymised data to third-party service providers,while all user-specific data remains held solely by the mobile operator as the trus

114、ted party.For commercial applications,all communication with individuals will be based on the jurisdictions legal permission policies.5.Network Transformation 2023,GSMA Intelligence,202326/42Mobile industry trends2.3 AI:opportunities abound for operators Mobile operators have been incorporating AI t

115、o varying degrees,with a notable surge in the deployment of generative AI(genAI).Most operators are in the experimental phase with genAI and are carefully selecting partners,foundational models and priority use cases that can be implemented in the near term.In the mobile industry,initial efforts wit

116、h genAI have primarily focused on using the technology to improve customer services.This involves developing more intelligent chatbots and crafting sales scripts for call centre agents.Operators in Eurasia have also demonstrated their interest in using genAI to enhance customer service and for sales

117、 and marketing,as well as more specialised AI tools for transforming network operations and management.For example,Beeline has launched a genAI solution to improve the customer experience.Beeline enhances the customer experience with genAI Beeline has developed Kaz-RoBERTA-conversational,or BeeBERT

118、for short,as a genAI technology tailored to enhance customer experiences across Beelines digital platforms and to facilitate the creation of AI-driven solutions in the Kazakh language.The AI module has showcased notable improvements in accurately recognising and responding to customer inquiries,cont

119、ributing to an enhanced overall service quality.BeeBERT is seamlessly integrated into Beelines applications,including BeeTV(video streaming app),Hitter(music app)and Simply(neobank).The AI module provides solutions by understanding customer needs where possible,with the option to escalate to a call

120、centre when necessary.BeeBERT operates under an open-source Apache licence,promoting broader adoption among users.Its compact size allows for easy embedding in both desktop and mobile applications requiring comprehension of the Kazakh language.Despite growing interest,only a limited number of operat

121、ors in certain countries across Eurasia,such as Kazakhstan and Russia,have implemented AI-based solutions.Looking ahead,with the help of a conducive regulatory environment and investments,AI-based solutions could help operators to enhance efficiency,narrow the digital divide and expand 5G coverage.H

122、owever,the speed of AI adoption in the mobile industry may depend on several factors.Mobile operators often face challenges in accessing the internal data needed for training AI models.In addition,ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated insights is equally critical,as reliance on inaccurate data may l

123、ead to flawed decision-making.Ethical concerns around AI also require attention.The mobile industry is committed to the ethical use of AI in its operations and customer interactions to protect customers and employees,remove any entrenched inequality and ensure that AI operates reliably and fairly fo

124、r all stakeholders.The GSMAs AI Ethics Playbook serves as a practical tool to help organisations consider how to ethically design,develop and deploy AI systems.6Partnerships are important for scaling up AI services more broadly.Mobile operators are forming partnerships within the mobile industry and

125、 with cloud providers,telecoms vendors and governments to leverage new AI capabilities.Democratising AI is therefore critical to ensure all players in the industry and their customers can reap the benefits.To achieve that,the GSMA and IBM announced a collaboration in January 2024 to facilitate and a

126、ccelerate the adoption of genAI and the development of AI skills in the telecoms industry.Two initiatives are being launched:GSMA Advances AI Training programme and the GSMA Foundry Generative AI challenge and programme.6.The AI Ethics Playbook,GSMA,February 202227/42Mobile industry trends2.4 Fintec

127、h:smartphone connectivity fuels digital payments The fintech industry has experienced a significant surge in recent years,driven by growing digital services and the widespread adoption of a digital-first approach to lifestyles.Fintech has become a critical tool for facilitating transactions,both for

128、 individuals and businesses.With fintech companies now operating across multiple financial sectors,several established product segments have emerged in the markets and among these,digital payments are one of the most embraced fintech services globally.The Eurasian fintech market has also grown signi

129、ficantly,with digital investments expected to further soar from$73.9 million in 2023 to$121 million in 2028.7 This growth,coupled with improved smartphone penetration and internet coverage,has enhanced digital financial services in the region.For instance,fintech in Kazakhstan has thrived due to a s

130、ubstantial increase in the volume of cashless transactions,up from$5 billion in 2017 to$158 billion in 2022,8 as a result of favourable business conditions and robust banking infrastructure.Notably,Kazakhstan updated its regulations in 2023 to promote open banking,which fosters collaborative efforts

131、 among stakeholders to develop infrastructure for digital financial integration.Digital payments continue to be most adopted fintech service in the region,with 119 million users in 2023.9 For instance,MTS launched MTS Travel,which allows users to book and pay for hotels around the world.In 2023,MTS

132、Travel started offering accommodation in 53 new countries,which resulted in a 10 increase in the number of hotels on MTS Travel.10 Diversification of digital payments and e-commerceA variety of digital payment methods are available in Eurasia,such as mobile payments,QR code transactions and contactl

133、ess payments,catering to both individuals and businesses.These solutions span a variety of sectors,including enhanced accessibility to public services and utilities.More recently,a few operators across the region have introduced mobile payments to explore opportunities in the fintech sector as part

134、of strategies to generate revenues beyond core services,such as the examples below:Beeline Uzbekistan:In July 2023,Beeline introduced a new mobile payment option for customers connected to selected tariff plans and using the mobile services application Beepul.Using Beepul,customers of Uzcard/Humo ca

135、rds can transfer money from one bank card to the other without a commission fee.Kcell Kazakhstan:In December 2023,Kcell introduced mobile payments for public transport tickets in Balkhash,Kazakhstan,demonstrating the modernisation of payment systems that are integral to the digital transformation of

136、 Kazakhstan.Azercell Azerbaijan:In October 2023,Azercell announced an expansion of products within the Akart app.Akart is the digital card designed for both postpaid and prepaid subscribers,in cooperation with Pasha Bank,Visa and AzInTelecom.Pasha Bank also acts as a digital card issuer.Akart allows

137、 users to make cashless payments,make various types of payments and perform other transactions securely through the Akart app.7.Statista8.Fintech in Kazakhstan:Major Fintech Trends Shaping the Industry,Finextra,September 20239.Statista10.MTS FY 2023 results28/42Mobile industry trendsCountries within

138、 Eurasia are taking a varied approach to fintech development.For instance,in Uzbekistan,governmental initiatives are driving the adoption of digital payments,resulting in an array of options being available,including QR code and NFC11 smartphone transactions.The volume of NFC transactions in the cou

139、ntry increased by 2.1 between 2022 and 2023,12 demonstrating the progress being made in the digital payment landscape of Uzbekistan.Fintech companies such as Payme and Click have simplified peer-to-peer money transfers through mobile apps by facilitating small business transactions via QR codes and

140、in-app payments.However,these companies have now moved beyond simple transfers and are building an ecosystem of products or super-apps in Uzbekistan.In Kazakhstan,fintech is primarily driven by traditional banks,leveraging digitisation and technology to build an ecosystem and solutions such as open

141、banking.The country also launched its own digital currency,called Digital Tenge,in 2023.Alongside advancements in the banking sector,enterprises in Kazakhstan are diversifying their offering with initiatives such as buy now,pay later(BNPL)services,facilitated by platforms such as Kaspi.kz.By early 2

142、023,Kazakhstan had 434,000 point-of-sale terminals installed,simplifying transactions for merchants and customers alike.13 The rise of digital payments is fuelling the expansion of e-commerce,especially as users increasingly interact with content on platforms such as YouTube,Instagram and WhatsApp.W

143、ith more companies embracing digital transformation,there is a growing demand for swift and adaptable payment solutions in Eurasia.This shift in consumer behaviour and the expansion of fintech offers opportunities for operators,particularly with growing 5G and edge capabilities in the region.Digital

144、 Tenge cards in Kazakhstan In 2023,after the launch of Digital Tenge,a central bank digital currency(CBDC),Eurasian Bank in Kazakhstan issued CBDC-linked digital cards,offering new payment options in the country,including NFC,QR codes,biometrics and offline methods.Visa,in partnership with the Natio

145、nal Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan and leading Kazakh banks,unveiled the first CBDC-linked Visa card,which allows consumer access to this digital currency.The CBDC-linked Visa card promises enhanced access to the digital economy,streamlining government transactions,improving fund distribution eff

146、iciency,ensuring transparency in procurement and bolstering cybersecurity.For citizens,this translates to broader accessibility to financial services.Meanwhile,merchants will benefit from a wider array of accepted payment methods without necessitating infrastructure upgrades,such as additional equip

147、ment installation or software updates.11.NFC is short for near-field communication.It is a technology that allows devices such as phones and smartwatches to exchange small bits of data with other devices and read NFC-equipped cards over relatively short distances.12.Deep Dive:Payments in Uzbekistan”

148、,Medium,October 202313.Unlocking the Benefits of Digital Payments:Insights from Uzbekistan,Visa,2023 29/42Mobile industry trends2.5 Satellite:aerial solutions hold promise to improve connectivity Telecoms networks remain the primary form of connectivity,supported by the wide-area coverage of wireles

149、s networks and the mass production and adoption of mobile devices.However,in recent years,technological advances in satellite and other non-terrestrial networks(NTNs),such as unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs),have helped overcome several limitations associated with aerial connectivity.This has resulted

150、 in significant performance improvements,lower deployment costs and more commercially viable business models for satellite and NTN-based connectivity solutions.Low Earth orbit(LEO)satellite and high-altitude platform station(HAPS)providers have attracted much attention on the back of significant inv

151、estments and technical breakthroughs that have improved the business case for delivering connectivity at scale.A key selling point for aerial connectivity solutions is the potential to provide ubiquitous coverage around the world.Telecoms networks now cover more than 95%of the worlds population but

152、less than 45%of the worlds landmass.Satellites and NTNs are well suited to deliver connectivity in maritime,remote and polar areas,where deploying conventional terrestrial networks could be costly and challenging.The 3GPP has laid the foundation for satellite-based connectivity through standardisati

153、on to extend the reach of 5G to regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure.Four broad use cases have been identified:Service continuity:For coverage where it is not feasible with terrestrial networks such as in maritime or remote areas.Service ubiquity:For mission-critical communications,such as for

154、 disaster relief during terrestrial network outages.Service scalability:For offloading traffic from terrestrial to NTNs for better system efficiency.Backhaul services:For transport for sites with weak or no backhaul capacity.30/42Mobile industry trendsStakeholders in Eurasia ramp up efforts to lever

155、age satellite connectivity The complex geographical terrain and low population density(e.g.below 20 people per square kilometre in Kazakhstan,Russia and Turkmenistan)of countries across Eurasia strengthens the case for aerial technologies to play a role in the connectivity landscape.Some countries h

156、ad already taken steps to utilise satellite connectivity solutions.For example,Azerbaijan established Azercosmos in 2010 to launch,manage and operate satellites;in 2013,the company launched Azerbaijans first satellite,the Azerspace-1 telecoms satellite,into orbit.In recent years there has been a mar

157、ked increase in satellite-related activities across the region.Some of these are highlighted below:March 2024:Hughes Network Systems,a subsidiary of EchoStar,partnered with Kazakhstans Republican Center of Space Communication to deploy satellite services in more than 200 remote villages to enable e-

158、government services and help close the digital divide.February 2024:The Mjilis of Kazakhstan,the lower house of the countrys parliament,approved a law that,among other things,aims to facilitate the utilisation of non-geostationary satellites for communications.This would pave the way for LEO satelli

159、te providers to deliver services in the country.January 2024:MegaFon announced its strategic vision and aim to deploy 5G networks and hybrid wireless solutions,using satellite infrastructure.The telco has collaborated with Bureau 1440 on low-orbit satellite constellation development.August 2023:Azer

160、cosmos announced that it had entered into an agreement with SpaceX to become a reseller of Starlink satellite broadband services in Azerbaijan,targeting terrestrial and maritime transport links and other areas with insufficient internet coverage.June 2023:OneWeb signed a letter of intent with KazPos

161、t and Beeline to cooperate in fixed LEO satellite connectivity services to enable the digitalisation of postal offices across Kazakhstan.Around 340 out of KazPosts 2,000 rural post offices were not connected to the internet as of June 2023.OneWeb will provide satellite-based connectivity,with Beelin

162、e as the technical integrator.Telecoms and satellites:a new era of partnershipsAdvances in satellite technologies have heralded new partnerships between telecoms operators and satellite providers in ways that could reshape the connectivity landscape.Several partnerships have been announced in the la

163、st two years,spanning several continents and use cases,including rural coverage and disaster relief.In March 2023,Veon Group partnered with OneWeb to extend mobile internet connectivity and digital services across its markets,including Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan,to bridge the digital divid

164、e for millions of users,respond to disasters and unlock economic growth.The high cost of fibre optics in rural areas of Eurasia creates further opportunities for satellite backhaul.For satellite providers,partnerships with telecoms operators are key to scaling up their services by leveraging operato

165、rs existing relationships with end users and,in some cases,existing spectrum holdings.For telecoms operators,satellite connectivity offers access to new customers in underserved areas and the ability to provide connectivity for emergency services and existing customers where a terrestrial signal is

166、not available.More partnerships are expected in 2024 and beyond as the value of collaboration becomes clearer and as satellite capacity increases in availability.31/42Mobile industry trends03Mobile industry impact3.1 Action on climate changeIn Eurasia,countries such as Azerbaijan,Kazakhstan and Uzbe

167、kistan have been steering discussions towards a sustainable green-energy future,fostering the development of regional cooperation.Notably,in January 2023,the Ministers of Energy of Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement to construct a hydropower plant capable of supplying electrici

168、ty to the three countries.Meanwhile,in 2024,the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development pledged more resources to increase the reliability and sustainability of the electricity supply in Tajikistan.Increasing use of renewablesIn 2019,the mobile industry set a goal to achieve net-zero greenh

169、ouse gas emissions by 2050.Regional operators MTS and Azercell are part of the GSMAs Climate Action Taskforce,a forum for collaboration for the industry to progress towards its net-zero goal.To reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency,operators are increasingly prioritising the use of renewabl

170、es.Both areas were highlighted at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference,where signatories pledged to double energy-efficiency improvements and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.The use of renewable energy has significantly reduced operators emissions,contributing to a reduction of operationa

171、l emissions by nearly one third between 2021 and 2022.14 Regional operators,such as Beeline Kazakhstan and Azercell,are increasingly using renewables to power equipment and for network distributions:Beeline Kazakhstan is investing in solar-powered network equipment to offer 4G in remote parts of Kaz

172、akhstan and bridge the digital divide.Villages in these areas previously had no broadband connectivity due to the low availability of electricity.Solar-powered radio relay nodes help connect base stations by ensuring transmission between parts of the existing telecoms network,supporting the provisio

173、n of 4G in remote areas.Each node consists of 12 solar panels and in peak times produces 4 kWh,which is enough to ensure stable 4G voice and mobile internet connectivity in villages.The operator has already installed two radio relay connector nodes in the Karaganda and Aktobe regions of Kazakhstan a

174、nd plans to install 11 more by the end of 2024.15 Azercell has powered four base stations with solar energy in Karabakh,Gobustan and Tovuz.As of 2023,a hybrid station was under construction in Karabakh,while 33 more are planned to be constructed over the coming years.The operators transition to rene

175、wable energy aligns with its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by consuming energy in a responsible and efficient way.14.Mobile Net Zero 2024,GSMA,202415.“VEONs Beeline Kazakhstan Brings 4G to Rural Areas With Solar-Powered Network Equipment”,The Fast Mode,July 202333/42Mobile industry impactMan

176、aging natural disastersIn addition to progress on reducing emissions from mobile networks,connectivity can be an important enabler of climate action and resilience.The mobile industry continues to grow its engagement and investment in partnerships and solutions to provide mobile-enabled services to

177、enhance disaster preparedness,response and recovery.Eurasia experiences a variety of natural hazards,including wildfires,the impacts of which can be considerable.The mobile industry is building solutions using technologies such as AI to monitor for the first signs of a forest fire and take early act

178、ion.In February 2024,Beeline Kazakhstan and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management in Kazakhstan deployed a fire-detection solution,Orman-AI.The solution relies on Beelines computer-vision technology,which is used by fire guards for a faster response.34 cameras with a range

179、 of 25 km have been placed on top of Beelines antenna masts,which complete a 360-degree turn every 1012 minutes,with live footage from the cameras fed to the Orman-AI solution for frame-by-frame analysis.If the solution detects fire,an alert is sent to the monitoring centre with the location of the

180、fire.According to Beeline,the solution has reduced the average forest fire area to 2 ha,down from 7.3 ha,and enabled response times of less than one hour,from up to three hours previously.34/42Mobile industry impact3.2 The mobile industrys impact on the SDGsThe mobile industry continues to achieve i

181、ts impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs),driven by the increased reach of mobile networks and growing take-up of mobile internet services.In Eurasia,between 2016 and 2022,the mobile industry had the highest impact on SDG 4:Quality Education,which also improved the most compared to the

182、 previous year,along with SDG 6:Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 7:Affordable and Clean Energy.Growing smartphone and mobile internet adoption is contributing to mobiles impact on SDGs.Figure 14 Mobiles impact on the SDGs in Eurasia16 Source:GSMA Intelligence Most improved SDGsEnhancing accessibil

183、ity to digital economy skillsSDG 4 seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.Mobile operators have been driving access and quality education by building the relevant digital infrastructure.For example,in 2023,Kazakhstans Ministry

184、 of Digital Development,Innovation and Aerospace Industry partnered with Starlink to provide high-speed internet access to around 2,000 rural schools across the country that will help improve access to quality education.Meanwhile,in 2023,Beeline Uzbekistan launched Beeline Academy to ensure high-qua

185、lity education for young people in Uzbekistan.The goal is to promote IT professions and attract young people into industries directly involved in the digitalisation of the countrys economy,with a particular emphasis on training cybersecurity and AI specialists.An increasing number of nations are bro

186、adening their efforts to provide additional support for the development of digital skills.Empowering the digitally excluded to use digital services is vital to closing the digital divide.16.Eurasia includes Armenia,Azerbaijan,Belarus,Georgia,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan,Moldova,Russia,Tajikistan,Turkmenist

187、an,Ukraine and Uzbekistan35/42Mobile industry impactIoT solutions for managing water resourcesSDG 6 aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.This is especially important within Eurasia,where many countries have water-supply constraints.Mobile technol

188、ogy can improve many aspects of water delivery with effective metering and revenue collection,which are central to healthy,functioning water utilities.There are a growing number of IoT solutions to increase the efficient use of water across sectors,which are helping countries drive sustainable growt

189、h.For example,Azercell introduced a web and mobile solution to enable remote monitoring and management capabilities for the irrigation process and use of water resources for large agricultural areas.The solution allows real-time management of the irrigation system,offering functions such as remote p

190、ower supply,uninterrupted operation,start/stop and irrigation direction control.The solution aligns with the socioeconomic development strategy of Azerbaijan for 20222026,contributing to the improvement and digitisation of agriculture.The first-of-its-kind solution will support the strategic framewo

191、rk of a sustainably growing competitive economy,a clean environment and a green growth country.1717.“Azercell Business integrates cutting-edge technologies in the agricultural industry”,Azercell,July 202336/42Mobile industry impact04Mobile industry enablersPolicymakers should implement spectrum poli

192、cies that aim to improve coverage in rural areas and create incentives for operators to invest in network infrastructure.They should also avoid spectrum licence terms and conditions that disrupt network investment and innovation and needlessly increase costs.Figure 15 maps the impact of forward-look

193、ing spectrum policies on the realisation of greater network coverage.Low bands are crucial to close the digital divide.Due to its propagation characteristics,sub-1 GHz spectrum is essential to build coverage in sparsely populated areas and provide indoor coverage in built-up areas.However,with the u

194、ptake of digital services,additional spectrum is required to provide capacity in rural areas,where densification of cell sites and usage of high bands are economically impractical.Additional low-band spectrum will help connect rural areas to better-quality services by reducing the number of cell sit

195、es needed to reach the same level of performance.In Eurasia,countries have not yet made the 700 MHz band available,except for Uzbekistan,where usage is limited due to cross-border issues.In order to extend coverage and capacity in rural areas,it is necessary to finalise already ongoing processes of

196、cross-border coordination and move forward with the 700 MHz band migration.Mid-bands,such as the 3.5 GHz range(3.33.8 GHz),can play an important role in closing the digital divide.The use of 5G technology,together with wide channels,could provide FWA services with fibre-like speeds in regions where

197、FTTH is not practical.With proper network planning,one base station could provide FWA coverage for a small town.To meet the demand of citizens and businesses across the Eurasia region,more spectrum is needed.On average,2 GHz of mid-band spectrum per market will be needed by 2030.18 The 6 GHz band is

198、 the only remaining mid-band spectrum currently available to respond to the data traffic growth in the 5G-Advanced era.The decision made at the World Radiocommmunication Conference 2023 to harmonise the 6 GHz band in every ITU Region is a pivotal milestone,bringing billions of people into a harmonis

199、ed 6 GHz mobile footprint.19 It also serves as a critical developmental trigger for manufacturers of the 6 GHz equipment ecosystem.18.Vision 2030:Insights for Mid-band Spectrum Needs,GSMA,202119.“For the benefit of billions:the impact of WRC-23 decisions on spectrum policy in 2024”,GSMA,January 2024

200、38/42Mobile industry enablersConsiderations for coverage obligations It is not unusual for governments to tie coverage obligations to spectrum licences as a means of encouraging wider infrastructure rollout.However,it is essential to balance any coverage obligations with market realities,especially

201、around the economic viability of network rollout in remote locations against the backdrop of low ARPU levels,reliance on off-grid energy sources,the complexity of building various aspects of the network(including backhaul)and,in some cases,red tape around right-of-way permits.In this context,it is i

202、mportant that governments strongly consider how they can achieve ambitious coverage goals by offering discounted spectrum in return for targeted coverage and infrastructure obligations.A growing number of governments are using reduced spectrum fees in return for operator commitments to provide cover

203、age in carefully targeted areas.These approaches include offering spectrum for a very low cost or for free when licences are due for renewal,reductions in annual fees,or reimbursements of a fixed amount of upfront costs in return for coverage commitments in designated areas.These approaches recognis

204、e the difficulty in providing coverage,or upgrading networks,in specific geographic areas where the economics of mobile service delivery are most challenging.Coverage obligations can affect rollouts in both positive and negative ways.Unrealistic or erroneously formulated obligations could divert inv

205、estment from areas where it is actually needed.Therefore,a thorough analysis on how to use coverage obligations is required before any spectrum award.A percentage of population to be covered is used by some countries,but the impact Figure 15 Features of a spectrum policy conducive to network expansi

206、on Source:GSMALower investment riskHigher network efficiencyHigher return on investmentHigher investment in wireless infrastructureGreater network coverageSufficient spectrumSecondary marketsSpectrum roadmapTechnology-neutral licencesEffective spectrum pricing39/42Mobile industry enablersof such obl

207、igations is difficult to assess in advance of a spectrum award,which may lead to unrealistic requirements.Due to such risks,many countries consider obligations,stipulated as a number of base stations to be deployed.In many cases,coverage obligations are combined with smaller spectrum prices or other

208、 discounts to compensate for more capital-intensive rollouts.For example,in Kazakhstan,the government has offered operators a 90%discount on spectrum fees for investing in rural coverage for the period 20212025 as part of the Digital Kazakhstan initiative.Such initiatives should be sustained until t

209、he digital divide has been successfully tackled.The government should also consider direct funding or state intervention measures to address other critical areas around infrastructure rollout in rural areas.In Eurasia,special attention should be paid to the availability of backhaul and electric faci

210、lities,the lack of which in many cases limits achievable coverage in rural areas.These issues require separate initiatives from governments and stakeholders to fund such infrastructure in rural areas.Modernising EMF rulesMany countries in the Eurasia region continue to apply electromagnetic field(EM

211、F)limits that are typically 100 times more restrictive than the international guidelines from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection(ICNIRP).ICNIRP is an official partner of the World Health Organization(WHO)and the ICNIRP guidelines form the basis of EMF policies20 in mos

212、t parts of the world.The consensus of the international scientific community is that unscientific EMF restrictions provide no additional health protection.Restrictive EMF rules place a limit on the power and capacity that can be deployed at sites,implying the need for extra antennas and negatively i

213、mpacting coverage,especially inside buildings.Operators that want to deploy 4G/5G are faced with building new network infrastructure or reducing existing capacity at sites to make room for 5G.The situation is made more difficult if the technical standards for EMF assessments are not updated for 5G a

214、ctive antennas and dont account for the dynamic nature of emissions.At the beginning of 2020,Poland moved from limits similar to those in Eurasian countries to the international limits.Measurements after almost three years showed no significant change in EMF levels(only a small increase due to conti

215、nuing growth in mobile traffic).Other countries in Europe,Asia,Africa,the Middle East and South America have implemented the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines.This is identified by the ITU as a policy best practice.Public concerns about EMF(known as radiophobia)in Eurasian countries can be addressed with clear

216、 communication.The WHO is presently undertaking a comprehensive health risk assessment of radiofrequency EMF.Eurasian policymakers should use the outcome as a basis to address radiophobia and align EMF limits with the international guidelines.In addition,rules for antenna EMF assessments21 should be

217、 updated and based on global good 21.EMF Exposure Compliance Policies for Mobile Network Sites,GSMA,202140/42Mobile industry enablersAdopting tax reforms to steer growthMobile services play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and promoting social inclusion throughout Eurasia.The mobile indus

218、try consistently makes substantial investments to enhance and extend mobile broadband coverage,preserving the affordability of services with very low tariffs.A sustainable positive cash flow serves as the primary,and sometimes sole,means of financing these investments.However,elevated taxes on the m

219、obile industry impede this cash flow,constraining additional infrastructure investments.Furthermore,taxes on mobile service consumption may hinder uptake of these services by citizens,thus limiting the well-established social and economic benefits associated with mobile technology.In certain markets

220、 of Eurasia,the mobile sector faces a high tax burden,often driven by sector-specific charges such as regulatory and spectrum fees.For instance,in Uzbekistan,the tax contribution of the mobile sector in 2022 amounted to 34%of the sectors revenue,which is significantly higher than the same figure for

221、 several European and Asian markets.Governments must ensure that mobile-sector taxes are globally competitive,broad-based,stable and straightforward to facilitate revenue collection without hindering infrastructure investment and long-term sectoral development.Hence,when reforming mobile-sector tax

222、regimes,it is essential to consider the broader economic advantages of mobile technology.Potential tax reforms aimed at making the mobile sector more investment-friendly could involve reducing or eliminating sector-specific fees and gradually lowering corporate taxes.These reforms not only have the

223、potential to stimulate investment in mobile infrastructure and enhance connectivity,but also offer long-term benefits by driving economic growth and expanding tax revenues through a broader tax base resulting from increased adoption of mobile broadband services.Governments must ensure that mobile-sector taxes are globally competitive,broad-based,stable and straightforward41/42Mobile industry enablersGSMA Head Office1 Angel LaneLondonEC4R 3AB United K