#GSMA #5G #Uzbekistan #Tashkent #M360 Eurasia

GSMA M360 Eurasia Conference: A New Dawn for AI and 5G

The GSMA M360 Eurasia conference has made its inaugural appearance in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, gathering a diverse group of policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to delve into the opportunities presented by digital transformation across the Eurasian region. This event, emphasized on inclusivity and growth, aims to spotlight regional voices and underrepresented languages in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

Digital Transformation in Eurasia

The conference aims to analyze and showcase the potential growth of the mobile economy. According to the newly released GSMA Mobile Economy Eurasia report, it is projected that by 2030, mobile communications will contribute a whopping $270 billion to the region's economy. This statistic signifies the critical role of mobile technology in economic expansion and social development.

The event is being held in collaboration with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies, with Beeline Uzbekistan, a subsidiary of VEON, serving as the chief sponsor. This partnership underscores the growing digital ecosystem in the region and explores the next wave of mobile technologies.

Key Innovations Showcased

During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the award-winning Kaz-LLM model, which has been developed by Kazakh research institutions and VEON QazCode. This model addresses the language barriers in AI for low-resource languages, seamlessly facilitating interactions in Kazakh, Turkish, English, and Russian. Such breakthroughs can significantly empower smaller linguistic communities, helping them engage more fully in the digital economy.

Additionally, GSMA Foundry is showcasing its partnership with IBM, which offers GSMA members access to the Watsonx.ai platform, enabling them to harness advanced AI capabilities. Collaborations with the European Space Agency regarding non-terrestrial networks will also be a focal point, demonstrating how international partnerships can pave the way for innovative solutions in telecommunications.

Economic Impact of Mobile Technologies

Vivek Badrinath, the CEO of GSMA, emphasizes the transformative power of mobile technologies, stating, "Connectivity is a potent source of economic growth and a tool to transform businesses and government services across the region." He notes that last year, mobile technologies generated approximately 7.7% of the total GDP in Eurasia, equating to $220 billion in economic value, which is expected to escalate further by 2030.

An interesting highlight from the Mobile Economy Eurasia 2025 report showcases how mobile technology enhances economic growth and accelerates digital transformation in the region. With increasing smartphone adoption and mobile internet usage alongside the rollout of 5G, the mobile ecosystem is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future of Eurasia.

Key Findings from the Mobile Economy Report

• - Projected Contributions: It is estimated that by 2030, mobile technologies and services will contribute $270 billion, equivalent to 8.3% of GDP across the region.
• - 5G Connectivity Growth: By 2030, 5G connections are expected to reach 143 million, representing 41% of total mobile connections.
• - Internet Accessibility: By 2024, it is anticipated that two-thirds of the Eurasian population will be using mobile internet, amounting to around 164 million users. However, significant gaps remain as nearly 80 million people in the region still lack access to mobile internet, despite residing in areas with coverage.

Conclusion

The GSMA M360 Eurasia conference is not just an event; it represents a convergence of ideas aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and ambition within the digital landscape. By emphasizing inclusivity and technological advancements in AI and 5G, the conference offers a glimpse into a promising future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy. As discussions unfold, it will be intriguing to see how these collaborative efforts will shape the future of the region's digital transformation.