This article was first listed in PR Week.
The GSMA has appointed MHP Group to support its Connectivity for Good advocacy programmes.
The agency’s brief encompasses strategic media relations, issues and reputation management, and policy campaigns.
It will focus on policy topics that affect the mobile industry, such as having sufficient mobile bandwidth for digital growth, the ethical implementation of AI, and closing the ‘digital divide’ between those who have affordable, reliable mobile internet and those who do not – highlighting “women, people in rural areas and low‑income communities” among those affected.
The GSMA’s Connectivity for Good programme, which MHP will support, advocates for mobile connectivity as a tool to improve lives, while also supporting the long‑term health of the mobile industry.
The agency has been appointed to engage mobile operators, governments and NGOs in order to help people benefit from the internet in their daily lives – from education and healthcare to managing money and finding work.
It will also launch campaigns that promote business models and technologies that are “environmentally responsible and resilient in the face of climate change and humanitarian crises”.
Teresa Wincrantz, head of external communications at the GSMA, said: “Mobile technology has the power to transform lives – but to do so, we need to advance positive policy, reduce inequalities and tackle the big societal challenges, from digital inclusion to climate change.
“MHP Group shares our belief in that mission, and their expertise in both technology and public affairs makes them the ideal partner to help us tell this story.”
Adele Breen, senior director in MHP Group’s technology practice, said: “By helping more people get online, access essential services and participate fully in the digital economy, Connectivity for Good is reducing inequalities and supporting more inclusive growth for communities everywhere. We are incredibly proud to support the external communications for this important programme.”
The GSMA represents the interests of more than 750 mobile operators globally, as well as organising events such as MWC Barcelona.
The organisation joins MHP’s portfolio of tech clients alongside names such as fintech brand SurePay, business school RSM Erasmus, and home-appliance business Beko Europe.
