GSMA: North American Mobile Economy Report 2022

GSMA has released the "2022 North American Mobile Economy Report". Connectivity powers post-pandemic economic recovery. Mobile networks are critical to North America's economic recovery and the realization of green and digital transformation. In 2021, the U.S. Congress passed an infrastructure bill that allocated approximately $65 billion in federal funds to expand broadband access and 5G connectivity across the country. In Canada, the government recently established the Universal Broadband Fund, which will invest $2.75 billion (US$2.1 billion) to support high-speed internet projects across the country, including mobile internet projects in underserved areas. These developments show that there is an opportunity for operators to work with governments to improve connectivity across society and drive post-pandemic economic recovery.

5G momentum continues to build

The United States and Canada lead the world in 5G adoption, reflecting operators’ ambitious 5G deployment plans and a rapidly expanding device and content ecosystem. By 2025, 5G will account for nearly all mobile capital expenditures as operators increase deployment of mid-band spectrum. By the end of 2025, 5G penetration will reach 92% in Canada and 100% in the United States. By then, 5G will account for nearly two-thirds of all mobile connections in North America, equivalent to nearly 280 million connections.

Mobile adoption slows, but smartphone apps still have room to grow

In 2021, 329 million people in North America (84% of the population) subscribed to mobile services. The total addressable market for operators in the region is approaching saturation. Three-quarters of the region’s 12 million new subscribers are expected to come from the United States by 2025.

Mobile continues to contribute to economic and social well-being

In 2021, mobile technologies and services account for 4.2% of North America's GDP and contribute more than $1 trillion to economic value added. The mobile ecosystem also supports more than 2.2 million jobs (directly and indirectly) and makes a significant contribution to public sector funding, with $110 billion in tax revenue. By 2030, 5G technology will further boost contributions to the region's economy, impacting key industries such as manufacturing and public administration.

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