The CEO of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete, has been re-elected as president of the GSMA until December 2026, solidifying his leadership at the helm of one of the most influential associations in the global telecommunications sector. The GSMA encompasses over 1,100 mobile operators and companies linked to the connectivity ecosystem, driving innovation and addressing the challenges of global digitalization.
Álvarez-Pallete, who became president of the GSMA in February 2022, is the first Spaniard to hold this position in the organization’s history. His re-election comes at a crucial time for the industry when connectivity has become an essential pillar for economic and social development, particularly in Europe, where the Draghi Report has highlighted its strategic importance.
Advancing Digital Transformation and Ethical AI
During his tenure at the GSMA, Álvarez-Pallete has promoted key initiatives that have transformed the sector. Among them is the launch of Open Gateway, a proposal that redefines how operators design and market their services in the digital age through the use of APIs. This paradigm shift aims to accelerate innovation and offer new opportunities to users and businesses by integrating applications and services in a more agile and accessible manner.
The GSMA president has also been a strong advocate for ethics in technology use, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Under his leadership, the GSMA has presented the first common roadmap for responsible AI use, laying the groundwork for a technological future that prioritizes human well-being.
“It is an honor to be re-elected as president, and I am deeply excited about the new phase that lies ahead,” Álvarez-Pallete stated. In his remarks, he also emphasized the GSMA’s work in reducing the digital divide, ensuring that “the technological revolution serves people, businesses, and society as a whole, without leaving anyone behind.”
GSMA: A Driver of the Global Economy
The influence of the GSMA on the global economy is undeniable. In 2023, mobile connectivity generated an added value of $5.7 trillion, accounting for 5.4% of global GDP. Additionally, the mobile sector employs approximately 35 million people worldwide, in both direct and indirect roles.
The expansion of mobile services has been exponential over the past decade. By the end of 2023, more than 5.6 billion people, or 69% of the global population, had subscriptions to mobile services, a significant increase compared to 2015. The penetration of mobile internet has grown even faster, reaching 58% of the global population with 4.7 billion users, double the number from eight years ago.
A Commitment to Digital Inclusion
One of the top priorities of the GSMA under Álvarez-Pallete’s leadership has been to close the digital divide, with special attention to the most vulnerable groups and areas with limited access to technology. Connectivity is positioned as an essential tool to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development, providing underserved communities with access to vital services, from education to healthcare.
Álvarez-Pallete’s leadership at the GSMA represents a decisive step toward a more inclusive, ethical telecommunications industry focused on global well-being. With his re-election, the GSMA is expected to continue promoting responsible digitalization, driving policies that reflect the values of collaboration, transparency, and social responsibility in the use of technology.