GSMA chief lays out post-Covid industry challenge

INTERVIEW: GSMA director general Mats Granryd outlined his vision for the mobile industry to provide ethical leadership in the post-Covid-19 (coronavirus) era, as he previewed the key themes for MWC21 Barcelona and his opening keynote.

Speaking to Mobile World Live as part of its MWC Preview Themed Week, Granryd stated the mobile industry needed to challenge itself and champion the future, with an emphasis on digital inclusion alongside pursuit of goals including climate action.

“We are rapidly building out 5G networks, but really the big issue is around inclusion and making sure we get the usage of our networks up.”

On the main themes of his keynote and event as a whole, Granryd pointed to continued strong support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have been a constant theme of recent editions of the GSMA’s event in Barcelona.

He noted the MWC21 theme of Connected Impact built on the 2019 banner of Intelligent Connectivity, but noted it would look at “the total impact that connectivity has on industries, on society, on government”.

“In a way it’s a perfect fit for this pandemic world where, as a provider of connectivity we have really and truly played centre stage and made the world a place to still do business.”