Latest news with #JulianGorman
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Global telecom regulators' collaboration needed to address mobile spam, scams: GSMA
NEW DELHI: Telecom regulators globally need to collaborate to address the growing challenges of mobile spam and scams, which are negatively affecting subscriber experience and causing financial losses, according to GSMA . 'A lot of this scam happens across borders because domestic regulators can't act outside the border. But scammers use multiple, and sometimes different channels, to alter the conversation or scam flow. So they are changing jurisdictions, policies, and the regulations which govern them,' Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific (APAC), GSMA, told ETTelecom at a virtual media briefing Monday. 'We also need to step up our game, and collaborate across different platforms, and the participants must ensure that stakeholders come together to address this challenge,' Gorman added. 'What's happening in India (in regulations) is providing a useful reference point around the world.' Lately, telecom carriers globally, including India, have begun using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-driven solutions to identify and combat pesky messages and calls, in a bid to improve mobile user experience. However, scam and spam communications have gradually moved to OTT communication service platforms, where regulations are not as stringent, telcos allege. According to GSMA, to combat scam, telcos are adopting innovative strategies, including aligning with the GSMA Open Gateway initiative with standardised APIs that leverage AI to detect and block scams, and enable new AI-powered tools such as SIM Swap, Device Location Verification, and others. The London-based telco industry association estimates the size of the global scam economy to be $1 trillion, of which the APAC region has a nearly $700 million share. While GSMA did not divulge specific data for the Indian market, third-party research estimates show that nearly half of the messages received by about 1.10 billion subscribers are spam. 'This (APAC) forms a significant portion. It's important that we act nationally, collectively, and across borders to share information so that we can combat scam scale together,' Gorman said during the media briefing. The top executive said that it is the collective responsibility of telecom carriers and OTT communication service platforms to keep the digital platforms safe. 'We must embrace the responsibility to keep our digital world safe and secure and protect the vulnerable. We should make sure that we have a fully inclusive digital world,' he said.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Maxis inks MOU with Aduna, boosting digital business innovation
From left: LiLian Hor, Head of Enterprise Marketing & Digital, Maxis; Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA; and Chee Kean Chan, Vice President of Sales, Key Account, Ericsson Malaysia, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Singapore KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis, Malaysia's leading integrated telecommunications (telco) provider, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aduna, a landmark venture between some of the world's leading telco operators and Ericsson. The MoU aims to drive the adoption of standardised network application programming interfaces (APIs) that will accelerate digital innovation for businesses. In a statement, Maxis said the partnership would provide developers and businesses with seamless access to Aduna's global platform of common network APIs. It said these advanced API solutions will enable businesses in Malaysia to unlock new use cases and deliver next-generation services by harnessing the full potential of Maxis' advanced connectivity and network capabilities. The telco said the collaboration will enable faster and more secure development and deployment of API-driven solutions, reducing time-to-market for new features and services. "Initial offerings will focus on high-impact APIs such as number verification, SIM Swap, know-your-customer (KYC) match and location verification, key enablers to combat digital fraud and strengthen the security of online transactions. "This would benefit businesses in sectors such as financial services and e-commerce, for example, e-wallet providers and hyperscalers," it said. Maxis chief enterprise business officer Prateek Pashine said the partnership with Aduna enables the development of more secure, user-centric services, backed by seamless access to advanced network APIs. "Our mission is to equip businesses with the tools they need to innovate for tomorrow, today. "APIs play a critical role in the modern digital economy, and Maxis is committed to leveraging them to unlock greater value for businesses," he said. Meanwhile, Aduna chief executive officer Anthony Bartolo said the collaboration with Maxis will bring their unified network APIs to one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic digital economies, providing businesses in Malaysia with access to powerful and scalable solutions. - Bernama
Korea Herald
24-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Asia Pacific's Mobile Sector Adds $950 Billion to GDP; On Track to Reach $1.4 Trillion by 2030, GSMA Report Reveals
New report warns of rising scams and spectrum costs as 5G poised to reach 50% of all mobile connections in Asia Pacific by 2030 SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile technologies and services contributed US $950 billion to Asia Pacific's economy in 2024 - 5.6% of regional GDP - according to the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report released today by the GSMA at the Digital Nation Summit Singapore. This figure is forecasted to grow to US $1.4 trillion by 2030, as 5G, IoT and artificial intelligence continue to accelerate digital transformation across the region. The mobile ecosystem also supported around 16 million jobs (11 million directly, 5 million indirectly) and generated over $90 billion in public revenue, excluding spectrum and regulatory fees. Between 2019 and 2024, operators invested $220 billion in 5G networks, with another $254 billion planned through 2030. However, the study cautions that rising spectrum costs and investment gaps - particularly in rural and emerging markets - could hinder progress without collaborative action. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, commented: " Mobile connectivity is the oxygen of Asia Pacific's digital transformation – driving economic growth, innovation and inclusion. Yet our findings sound clear alarms: spectrum charges have tripled over the last decade, and 48% of the population remain offline. To sustain momentum, we need decisive action – affordable spectrum, smarter financing and collective action to tackle scams and cyber-threats." The report also explores growing cybersecurity challenges, with scams siphoning over $1 trillion globally in 2024. In response, operators are adopting AI-based fraud detection, zero-trust architecture, and taskforces. One major initiative is ACAST – the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce – uniting operators and platforms across 16 countries. GSMA Open Gateway is also enabling better fraud protection via built-in identity and security features APIs.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia Pacific's mobile sector to add US$1.4 trillion by 2030, driven by 5G and AI
However, GSMA and LKYSPP warn that without coordinated action, Southeast Asia risks falling behind in the race to unlock 5G-AI's economic potential. Asia Pacific's mobile technologies and services sector added US$950 billion ($1.21 trillion) to the regional GDP last year and is on track to hit US$1.4 trillion by 2030. But without urgent policy reforms and smarter spectrum strategies, digital momentum across Southeast Asia risks stalling. That's the warning from reports released this week by the GSMA and Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), calling for a new era of regional coordination to unlock the full potential of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). GSMA's Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report reveals that the mobile ecosystem supported 17 million jobs and generated more than US$90 billion in public funding (excluding spectrum and regulatory fees) last year. Yet, the report flags rising spectrum costs, a widening mobile usage gap, and an explosion in digital scams as emerging threats to continued progress. 'Mobile connectivity is the oxygen of Asia Pacific's digital transformation. Yet… spectrum charges have tripled over the last decade, and over 700 million people remain offline. To sustain momentum, we need affordable spectrum, smarter financing and collective action to tackle scams and cyber-threats,' says Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. According to GSMA, 5G accounted for 18% of mobile connections last year and is set to reach 50% by 2030. However, growth remains uneven, particularly in Southeast Asia, where infrastructure investment has not kept pace in rural and emerging markets. Complementing GSMA's findings, LKYSPP's new research report estimates that 5G alone could contribute US$130 billion to Asia Pacific's economy by 2030 but warns that the opportunity to establish regional digital leadership is rapidly narrowing. Titled Leveraging 5G to Accelerate AI-Driven Transformation in ASEAN, LKYSPP's report reveals that 5G adoption remains uneven across the region. While Singapore has achieved 48.3% 5G penetration, several Asean countries remain below 1%. Without decisive and coordinated action, these disparities could erode regional competitiveness and deepen inequality. 'The convergence of 5G and AI represents the infrastructure of innovation, powering smart manufacturing, precision agriculture, and autonomous mobility. Asean cannot afford to wait. Coordinated strategies that can accelerate regional leadership in intelligent connectivity must be established to help the region move beyond incremental improvements toward transformative digital leadership,' says Vu Minh Khuong, Professor at LKYSPP. The report recommends implementing five strategic priorities to secure Asean's digital future: Establishing national 5G-AI development strategies with clear 2025-2030 roadmaps Creating empowered coordination agencies in Asean member countries Deploying forward-looking spectrum policies that promote accessibility and innovation Fostering vibrant AI-driven ecosystems through public-private collaboration Implementing robust monitoring frameworks to track progress and enable course corrections. The report also positions current 5G deployment as critical infrastructure for 6G evolution expected by 2030, making today's strategic decisions particularly important for future competitiveness. Both reports underline the need for structural reforms to stimulate enterprise adoption for 5G and AI. The LKYSPP research highlights examples such as Singapore's 5G-enabled smart ports reducing latency by 50%, Thailand's AI-powered disaster response systems, and Malaysia's wholesale network model reaching 82% population coverage. These case studies illustrate the potential for transformative impacts when coordinated strategies are effectively implemented. GSMA's report also emphasises the rising cyber risk as 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) expand. Scam-related losses surpassed US$1 trillion globally in 2024. In response, operators are deploying AI-driven fraud detection systems and launching regional collaborations such as the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce (ACAST), now spanning 16 countries. Efforts like GSMA's Open Gateway, which standardises network APIs for security and identity services, are expected to become central in the battle to safeguard digital trust. Policy recommendations from both reports align on several fronts: the need for spectrum pricing reform, public-private partnerships, and incentives to extend connectivity to underserved regions. GSMA's data shows spectrum cost-to-revenue ratios rose from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023, squeezing operators' ability to invest further. LKYSSP's study envisions ASEAN leading a 5G-AI-powered future where enterprises scale globally through intelligent manufacturing, farmers optimise yields using AI-driven analytics, and students in remote areas access immersive education platforms. However, that vision can only be realised if bold, coordinated government action is taken, supported by strategic planning and sustained commitment to digital transformation, notes the report. 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Bangkok Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Call for changes to make Thailand a major digital nation
Strategic spectrum allocation with reasonable pricing, the fostering of innovation, and the promotion of telecom competition are crucial for Thailand to become a prominent "digital nation" in Southeast Asia, according to the GSM Association (GSMA). The association said the country should also build a strong national 5G brand and prioritise digital inclusion. The GSMA is a global organisation representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries. Thailand has become a "quiet achiever" in 5G, Julian Gorman, GSMA's head of Asia-Pacific, told the Bangkok Post, noting the country's leadership in the region alongside Singapore, which are deemed to be the two most experienced 5G nations within the region's footprint. Mr Gorman said that to sustain and enhance its leadership position, Thailand should focus on optimising spectrum management and make the 3.5-GHz spectrum available to foster significant innovation. Moreover, it should set a reasonable spectrum pricing, treating it as if a government were investing in a digital nation, rather than focusing on selling spectrum assets at the highest price. High spectrum prices are not conducive to the collaborative building of a strong digital nation, he added. Lessons from Vietnam and India show that significantly reducing spectrum prices, along with offering incentives such as rebates for the network rollout exceeding the obligations, can accelerate 5G deployment and adoption. Vietnam launched 5G last October and its government announced over the past two months that it would rebate 15% of network rollout costs for those who can go beyond licence obligations in terms of network rollout, said Mr Gorman. This is an incentive for operators to move beyond their minimum commitments to creating a national 5G network to power the economy. In addition, policymakers need to ensure sufficient spectrum allocation. The GSMA recommends 80-100 MHz per operator for the mid-band spectrums. The government should ensure this amount is available to avoid scarcity and drive competition and connectivity. Meanwhile, a clear roadmap for future spectrum availability is essential to cater to increasing data demands. While the manufacturing sector globally accounts for approximately 40% of the 5G benefits, significant opportunities are also being explored in Thailand's tourism and services sectors. The broader Asia-Pacific mobile economy, excluding China, is projected to be worth about US$1 trillion by the end of this decade, with 5G alone contributing an estimated $130 billion of that value. In an unfavourable economy, costs are a major hurdle for 5G adoption. "Innovation can adjust the perception of cost, making smartphones and digital services more appealing by increasing their value proposition," Mr Gorman said. The government can act as an "anchor tenant" by digitising its services, making it cheaper and easier for citizens, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid, to engage via smartphones, thereby increasing the value of the phones. While 5G adoption is important, it's equally critical to close the usage gap by ensuring everyone is connected and encouraging users of older technologies to migrate to newer ones. STRONG 5G NATIONAL BRAND Despite being a "quiet achiever" in 5G, Thailand needs to be "a bit louder" about its vision and achievements to attract more foreign direct investment, innovation and startups, Mr Gorman said. A strong 5G national brand, akin to how Thailand promoted its tourism globally, could significantly elevate its international recognition, he added. Moreover, the country has a big role to play in guiding Asean's digital transformation through initiatives such as spectrum harmonisation which ensures common frequencies and timelines, enabling a "rising tide lifts all boats" scenario that benefits the entire region through efficient technology rollout and economies of investment. Mr Gorman said that while Thailand currently operates with two main mobile network players, a number "below the average in the region", the emphasis for continued innovation should be on fostering competition at the front line of services, rather than solely on infrastructure numbers. A robust regulatory framework and policy that encourages innovation and invites investment is critical. This involves reducing the cost and complexity of launching new businesses and potentially offering incentives for specific types of innovation to invigorate the 5G ecosystem. AI FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH Mr Gorman said the widespread availability of AI in people's pockets has democratised its use, enabling everyone to easily "do something with AI". Governments nurturing the AI ecosystem and innovation can unleash a new ecosystem of innovation and use cases. AI plays a crucial role for telecom operators by making customer care "very personal", improving the efficiency of business operations, and making networks smarter. Mr Gorman said that "AI for networks" uses AI to optimise resource allocation and predict and repair faults, making networks faster and more efficient. Conversely, "Networks for AI" ensures networks are smart enough to handle the changing traffic profiles driven by AI use cases, which often involve more data uploads to the cloud. This synergy supports the monetisation of new use cases for operators. Mr Gorman said Thailand is at the leading edge of GSMA's Open Gateway API (application programming interface) program, such as APIs like SIM swap alerts, and particularly the scam signal API that demonstrates a 90% effective rate in identifying potential scam victims in the UK.
