GSMA M360 Eurasia Focuses on AI and 5G Innovations in Tashkent
GSMA M360 Eurasia: A Groundbreaking Event
The first-ever GSMA M360 Eurasia is taking place today in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the immense potential of AI and 5G technologies. As emphasized in the GSMA's latest report, mobile technologies are predicted to contribute a staggering $270 billion to the region's economy by 2030. The event aims to spotlight voices that often go unheard—particularly those from underrepresented languages in the field of artificial intelligence.
A Platform for Discussion
This conference, held in collaboration with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Digital Technologies and sponsored by Beeline Uzbekistan, a subsidiary of VEON, is a pivotal platform for discussing strategies to accelerate digital transformation across Eurasia. As the digital ecosystem continues to expand, the event sets the stage for vital conversations on collaborations and innovations that can redefine the technological landscape in the region.
Vivek Badrinath, CEO of GSMA, delivered the keynote speech addressing the critical role of connectivity as a driver of economic growth. Last year, mobile technologies and services accounted for 7.7% of the GDP across Eurasia, equivalent to an impressive $220 billion economic value. This figure is expected to rise significantly, reflecting the increasing impact of digital advancements in everyday life.
Bridging Language Barriers
At the event, participants will have the opportunity to see the Kaz-LLM, an award-winning language model developed by Kazakh research institutions and QazCode, that employs advanced AI to bridge language gaps in less-resourced languages. This project, backed by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and GSMA Foundry, will facilitate communication in Kazakh, Turkish, English, and Russian, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in technological progress.
Further initiatives from GSMA Foundry will also be showcased, including a partnership with IBM that allows GSMA members access to the Watsonx.ai platform, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of innovation.
The Future of Mobile Technology in Eurasia
The 2025 report underlines key insights predicting that mobile technologies will become increasingly integral to the region's economy, contributing around 8.3% of the total GDP. Furthermore, the number of 5G connections is expected to soar to 143 million by 2030, representing a significant 41% of all mobile connections.
By 2024, it's projected that two-thirds of the population in Eurasia will be using mobile internet, translating to 164 million users. Yet, this optimistic outlook comes with challenges. Nearly 80 million people still lack access to mobile internet services, despite residing in areas that are covered. This disparity calls for focused efforts to ensure that connectivity is accessible to all.
Conclusion
The GSMA M360 Eurasia event not only emphasizes the extraordinary potential of mobile technologies in transforming economies but also serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in technological advancements. As discussions unfold, participants are eager to explore practical solutions to overcome existing barriers and enhance connectivity, ensuring that the digital future is bright for everyone in Eurasia.