GSMA warns geopolitics could split global mobile standards

GSMA deputy chairman Ralph Mupita warned at Mobile World Congress that geopolitical tensions could lead to bifurcated 6G standards, threatening global supply chains and the device ecosystem. He highlighted how emerging markets risk being left behind in the AI revolution as major investments concentrate in China and the US. The GSMA board also flagged mobile industry financial sustainability, advocating for horizontal mergers and updated competition frameworks to attract capital amid rising infrastructure costs and falling margins. Rising digital fraud, particularly originating from social media platforms, was identified as a third priority, with MTN and Meta already in talks to address the issue. The event also marked the first time African operators had a dedicated pavilion at MWC.