It’s no secret that the mobile industry in Europe is a vital part in shaping the future of online shopping. With more people relying on their smartphones to browse, buy, and connect, the mobile industry is influencing the way we shop. In big ways.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest mobile trends in Europe, backed by numbers from the GSMA “The Mobile Economy Europe 2025” report.
Let’s break it all down and see how mobile innovation is fueling the growth of e-commerce across Europe!
Europe’s mobile sector in numbers
Shortly speaking: the mobile industry in Europe is growing year by year. And the numbers show a fascinating picture of how mobile services are evolving.
By the end of 2024, 520 million people in Europe had a mobile subscription, which accounts for 88% of the population. That’s a huge number! Fast forward to 2030, and we’ll see a slight increase to 527 million subscribers, keeping a steady 0.2% annual growth rate.
When it comes to mobile internet adoption, Europe is also making strides. By 2024, 471 million people were mobile internet users, representing 79% of the population. This number will continue to rise, reaching 494 million mobile internet users by 2030, with a penetration rate of 84%. That’s over 150 million new mobile internet users over the last decade, showing how vital mobile connectivity is for people across Europe.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
Now, let’s talk about the tech side of things.
4G and 5G are leading the charge. In 2024, 63% of mobile connections were still on 4G, but 5G is making its mark, already representing 30% of mobile connections in Europe. By 2030, 5G will soar to 80% of all mobile connections, with 4G usage dipping to just 18%.
To be specific, 5G adoption is expected to surpass 4G in 2026, with Europe leading the charge in shutting down legacy networks.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
Thus, one of the key trends we’re seeing is the transition from older network generations like 2G and 3G. They are now less than 10% of mobile connections across Europe. These networks are being phased out to make room for more efficient and faster technologies like 5G.
When it comes to smartphones, they continue to dominate as well, with 83% of mobile connections in Europe tied to smartphones in 2024, rising to 91% by 2030. The majority of Europe’s mobile subscribers are moving to these devices, which is a big driver of mobile internet use and mobile e-commerce.
Operator revenues are also significant. By 2024, European operators were expected to generate €163 billion in revenue. Projections are €177 billion by 2030. We do see the growing demand for mobile services across various sectors, but also… the need for continuous investment in network upgrades and infrastructure.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
On the economic side, the mobile ecosystem in Europe added €1.1 trillion to the GDP in 2023, which is a substantial 5% of Europe’s total GDP. Of course, by 2030, that number is projected to rise to €1.2 trillion. Is it surprising? After all, it’s driven by the continued expansion of 5G networks and increased mobile service adoption.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
Next, in terms of employment, the mobile industry in Europe supported 1.9 million direct jobs in 2023, with another 1.4 million indirect jobs. This highlights the sector’s impact on job creation and economic growth across Europe.
So yes, the numbers are big, and the mobile industry in Europe is set for even bigger things in the years to come.
The growth of mobile internet users, the shift towards 5G, and the economic contribution are all strong indicators that mobile is central to Europe’s digital future.
Check out also the latest trends in mobile app development.
Subscriber and technology trends for Germany
Let’s zoom in on Germany for a second. In 2024, 87% of the population had a mobile subscription, but that’s going to rise as well. In 2030, the number should reach 89%. Pretty impressive, right?
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
But what’s even more exciting is how people in Germany are adopting newer technologies:
- in 2024, 51% of mobile connections were 4G, and 49% 5G
- by 2030, 4G will have only 6%, and 5G will dominate, taking over with 94% of all mobile connections
- 5G adoption is ramping up, especially in cities like Berlin and Munich, where the tech is already in full swing
People love the fast speeds and low latency (response time) for everything. From gaming to streaming. In addition, smartphone adoption is also climbing, with 83% of mobile connections tied to smartphones in 2024, and by 2030, that’s set to rise to 93%.
Mobile industry in Europe: top trends
Let’s proceed to Europe’s mobile sector trends. They give us a glimpse into the future and show where mobile is headed and how it’ll affect things like business and even our daily lives.
Here are the top trends driving the mobile industry in Europe.
#1 5G evolution: more than just speed
We’ve already talked a lot about 5G above, and as you’ve probably guessed, it also takes center stage in trends.
This technology is about to improve the overall mobile experience and open up new possibilities. So yes, its capabilities include more than just faster loading of Netflix movies. It’s completely changing the way we use mobile technology and has huge implications for things like autonomous cars and industrial automation.
💡 In Germany, Switzerland, China, South Korea, and the US, more than half of the mobile connections is 5G.
The benefits of 5G evolution?
- With 5G, we can do things that 4G could never handle, like supporting millions of IoT devices at once.
- In fact, 5G SA (standalone) is expected to lower latency significantly, making everything from self-driving cars to healthcare more efficient.
- Expect more smart cities, connected cars, and AI-driven tech that will change everything we do.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
Exciting, right?
In addition, as 5G is deployed, it’s opening up new enterprise solutions and creating business opportunities for developers and tech startups in sectors like telemedicine, remote work, and virtual reality.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
#2 Next steps for 5G: RedCap and 5G-Advanced
Let’s get a little deeper into what comes after 5G: 5G-Advanced and RedCap.
While 5G is already speeding up the mobile world, these next steps make it even more powerful. 5G-Advanced will boost the performance even further. It will offer even better latency and higher capacity for more demanding applications like extended reality (XR) and machine learning.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
RedCap, on the other hand, is aimed at making IoT devices more affordable and energy-efficient. IoT is the Internet of Things—smart devices like fitness trackers, smart cameras, and even smart home devices.
As a result:
- This will open up more smart IoT applications, which are key for businesses and consumers. Imagine smart watches and security cameras that use less power but work better!
- 5G-Advanced will also improve the reliability of extended reality (XR) applications, bringing better virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
- For businesses, this could mean higher productivity and better customer engagement thanks to smoother, more immersive technologies.
- On the consumer side, RedCap will bring affordable, low-energy smart devices to a broader market.
#3 Open Network API: making networks more flexible
Have you ever thought about how mobile networks could be more flexible and easier to use? Well, Open Network API is exactly that.
This technology:
- makes networks more adaptable for developers, businesses, and even everyday users
- makes mobile networks smarter, faster, and more customizable by opening up APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
On the other hand, APIs allow developers to connect directly with network services, help build new apps, enhance security, and even solve problems like fraud. For example, Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone are using APIs to make their networks more interoperable and accessible for developers.
Now, why does it matter?
Open APIs are going to make life easier for developers and businesses. Instead of building everything from scratch, they can tap into the mobile operator’s network to offer more advanced services like real-time fraud prevention, easier user verification, or better customer experiences.
Plus, as operators share their network resources, it enables the digital economy to grow faster and more inclusively
It’s like opening the doors for a whole new world of possibilities, especially in business-to-business (B2B) sectors.
#4 AI’s big impact on mobile networks
AI is everywhere, and in the mobile industry, it’s already starting to make a big difference.
From network optimization (making things run smoothly) to enhancing security and improving customer service, AI is playing a big role. Think of AI-driven chatbots that can answer customer questions, or predictive analytics that help operators fix network issues before they even happen.
AI also helps detect fraud and cyberattacks much faster than humans could on their own.
💡 Orange and EE are using AI to boost network reliability and cut down on errors.
What does it mean?
- AI is making mobile networks smarter, faster, and more efficient. It’s like having a super-fast assistant who always has your back, keeping things running smoothly and predicting future needs.
- AI is improving network reliability by automating tasks that were previously manual. For example, Orange uses AI to predict network failures before they happen, meaning issues get fixed faster.
- AI also enables new user experiences in customer service. Companies can answer questions in real-time.
- On the security side, AI is becoming crucial in spotting potential cyberattacks faster, protecting consumers and businesses alike.
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
#5 Satellites and connectivity in remote areas
Here’s something you might not have expected: satellites and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are the future of connectivity in remote areas.
While terrestrial networks (like the ones we use every day) cover most places, they can’t always reach remote regions, mountains, deserts, or oceans. Enter satellites and NTNs, which are about to take mobile coverage to places that have never been able to access it before.
💡 Countries like France and Germany are partnering with satellite providers to offer 5G in areas that can’t be covered by traditional mobile networks.
How can satellites help?
- they can expand mobile coverage to areas that need it most
- they are also great for emergency services or disaster response, where connectivity is essential
- they help in IoT and backhaul services, since they ensure reliable connections in remote or underserved areas where traditional networks can’t reach
GSMA Intelligence estimated that satellite-to-phone services will bring in over $30 billion in revenue by 2035. What an opportunity for operators to reach new markets!
As technology advances, we’ll see satellites connecting remote areas more seamlessly, allowing businesses and governments to provide services that were previously unavailable.
What areas can impact Europe’s mobile sector?
Mobile networks and services are important in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), like improving affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), water cleanliness, and good health (SDG 3).
Source: The Mobile Economy Europe 2025, GSMA
European operators are leading the charge on climate action, reducing their carbon emissions by over 50% between 2019 and 2022. They’ve purchased 22TWh of renewable electricity, which is a significant chunk of global telecom’s energy.
What’s more, mobile technology is revolutionizing healthcare. Operators are backing projects like 5G in healthcare. That’s because they can support remote surgeries and telemedicine. In water management, mobile services like smart meters are improving efficiency in utilities.
Key takeaways on the mobile industry impact:
- 50% reduction in carbon emissions by mobile operators.
- 22TWh of renewable energy purchased by European operators.
- 5G-enabled healthcare for better patient care.
- Smart water meters are improving resource management.
- Mobile tech supports SDG 3 and SDG 6.
The mobile sector also influences mobile internet use among children. Initiatives like mobile literacy programs and cyberbullying prevention are supporting safe and positive online experiences for younger generations.
What does this all mean to your e-commerce?
With the rise of 5G, smartphones, and mobile apps, the entire e-commerce experience is becoming faster, more personalized, and more seamless. Here’s a breakdown of how mobile technology is shaping e-commerce in Europe:
With the rise of 5G, smartphones, and mobile apps, the entire e-commerce experience is becoming faster, more personalized, and more seamless. Here’s a breakdown of how mobile technology is shaping e-commerce in Europe:
Increased mobile shopping
Consumers are increasingly using their smartphones to browse products, compare prices, and make purchases. Fashion? Home goods? Or groceries? Mobile-first shopping platforms and apps have become essential for businesses to capture this growing segment of shoppers.
Faster transactions with 5G
5G’s low latency and higher speeds allow for quicker page loads and smoother transactions. It has the ability to stream high-quality content or videos in real-time. This makes mobile shopping even more appealing, especially for interactive experiences such as live-streaming sales or virtual try-ons.
Personalized shopping experience
Mobile devices allow retailers to gather more data on consumer behavior. Thanks to AI and machine learning, businesses can offer highly personalized shopping experiences, such as targeted ads and recommendation engines. Mobile apps can track user preferences, purchase history, browsing, and location to tailor product suggestions in real time.
Mobile payments and digital wallets
Mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal have revolutionized how customers make purchases. Consumers now expect quick and secure mobile payment options, and businesses that offer these services see higher conversion rates. Mobile wallets allow for faster checkouts and a smoother shopping experience, which is essential in today’s fast-paced world.
Rise of mobile-optimized websites and apps
With more consumers shopping on their smartphones, it’s critical for e-commerce businesses to have mobile-optimized websites and user-friendly apps. Websites that are responsive on mobile devices and offer easy navigation, fast loading times, and streamlined checkout processes are more likely to convert visitors into buyers.
Social media and e-commerce integration
Social commerce is growing rapidly, and mobile plays a huge role here. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow users to make purchases directly from social media apps, without leaving the platform. With mobile devices, users can seamlessly transition from seeing a product on their feed to completing a purchase, all from their phone. This integration of social media and e-commerce is one of the hottest trends in mobile-driven retail.
Seamless customer service via mobile channels
Businesses are increasingly using mobile platforms to improve customer service. Chatbots, live chats, and customer support apps are readily available to answer questions, resolve issues, and help with product inquiries. This instant support improves the overall customer experience and builds loyalty, helping businesses stay competitive in the e-commerce space.
Over to you
So, there you have it! The mobile industry in Europe is advancing with 5G, AI, and satellite connectivity leading the way. Each of these trends is pushing the boundaries of what mobile technology can do, making our lives smarter and more connected.
Europe is at the forefront of many of these innovations. It paves the way for a digital-first future where connectivity knows no boundaries.
Ready to get involved? Start acting now and tap into the potential of the mobile industry in Germany—whether it’s leveraging 5G for business solutions or exploring sustainable tech innovations.
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