But our revenues will still be up, and margins can probably stay close to where they are," he said.
The GSMA can also use mobile's relative stability, including the industry's continuing investment in both 2G and 3G infrastructure, to bring regulators on-side to help encourage operators to grow their business, or at least do less to shrink it.
"This is an opportunity for us to go to ministers and regulators and point out how much we're spending and how many jobs we're creating, and that we don't need special favors or tax breaks, but please don't create disincentives by taxing us like crazy," he said.
After his term ends, Ehrlich will continue to serve on the board of the GSMC, the association's conference arm. His replacement will be elected in three weeks, he said.