INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology

Mobile Economy Russia & CIS 2020 , forecasts that there will be 52 million 5G connections across the region by 2025 , representing a 13 % adoption rate . Underlying this growth is operator investments , expected to be more than US $ 25 billion in new infrastructure rollouts , of which 57 % will be for high-performance 5G networks . Other highlights from the report include :

• 4G became the region ’ s leading mobile technology in 2020 and will account for 65 % of total connections by 2025

• Smartphone adoption is set to reach 81 % by 2025 due to the availability and popularity of lower-cost handsets

• The mobile ecosystem employed over 830,000 people in the region in 2019 and contributed US $ 14 billion to public sector funding

• The CIS region will add almost 330 million new IoT connections by 2025 , with smart home and smart buildings being two key growth areas

“ As mobile operators continue to enhance connectivity – through expansion of 4G and laying the foundation for 5G – the CIS region is reaping concrete benefits in economic growth and social development through improved commerce , communication and service delivery ,” said John Giusti , Chief Regulatory Officer , GSMA . “ The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted , like never before , the importance of access to fast and reliable connectivity in driving a resilient and inclusive digital economy , underpinned by a widerange of digital services for individuals and businesses across the region .”

A primary constraint on the CIS region ’ s ability to reap the full benefits of 5G is the availability of spectrum . Currently , certain frequencies earmarked for 5G remain out of reach of operators , putting at risk the region ’ s digital vision and the potential of IoT . The GSMA believes that policymakers should play a leading role in making 5G a reality , which includes the development of a comprehensive roadmap for the release and renewal of spectrum . Ensuring the effective management of valuable spectrum resources will be crucial to providing certainty , encouraging investment and maximising the opportunities that next-generation mobile connectivity can bring to the region . p

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