GSMA M360 LATAM 2026 Puts AI, 5G Investment, and Digital Trust at the Heart of Latin America's Digital Agenda

13 May 2026, Mexico City – GSMA M360 LATAM opened today in Mexico City, as mobile and technology leaders from across the region convened to tackle the defining connectivity challenges facing Latin America. New data published today in the Mobile Economy Latin America 2026 report reveals mobile technologies and services generated $600 billion in economic value across the region in 2025, equivalent to 8.6% of GDP, and is forecast to reach $700 billion by 2030. 

However, while half of all mobile connections in Latin America are forecast to run on 5G by 2030, a usage gap of 32% means millions remain offline despite living within coverage. In his opening keynote, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath called on industry and governments to complete the 5G journey, accelerate AI monetisation through initiatives including OpenTelco AI, and work together to tackle fraud and close the digital inclusion gap. 

Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “M360 LATAM has always been where the region's most important connectivity conversations happen, and this year that feels truer than ever. With 5G scaling across the region, AI moving from pilots into real operations, and a growing focus on making connectivity work for everyone, there’s never been a more important moment to get these decisions right. It makes me proud to see the community here in such numbers and so clearly energised by the conversations ahead.” 

5G, AI, and the foundations of a competitive digital economy 

The Mobile Economy Latin America 2026 report points to 5G, AI and digital trust as the primary forces reshaping the region’s mobile industry. Key findings include: 

• Half of all mobile connections in Latin America will run on 5G by 2030, with Brazil leading the region at 74%. 
• The mobile ecosystem supported nearly three million jobs in Latin America in 2025.  
• A mobile internet usage gap of 32% persists across the region, with affordability, digital literacy, and inequality the primary barriers. 
• AI maturity is well ahead in Latin America, with AI deployments spanning a range of areas, in particular in consumer-facing operations. In fact, 85% of operator’s AI deployments are already live rather than in development stage, ahead of the global average of 66%. However, there is a gap when it comes to monetisation, as the focus is on efficiency, cost containment and scalability currently. 
• By December 2025, 15 operators in Latin America had at least one satellite partnership. For operators, direct‑to‑device (D2D) satellite connectivity is a complementary layer that extends coverage, improves resilience and addresses persistent coverage gaps. 

In addition, presented during the event’s opening keynote, the regional awards programme returned for the third year as the GLOMO LATAM Awards, recognising the individuals and organisations driving innovation and meaningful progress across Latin America’s digital ecosystem. The Industry Champion Award had two recipients. Oscar León, Executive Secretary of Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), was recognised for strengthening public-private collaboration and advancing the role of mobile networks in the region’s economic and social development. Alexandre Freire, Vice President of Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), received the award for placing technology at the service of people, and helping position Brazil at the forefront of digital development. Meanwhile the Social Impact Award, selected by an independent expert jury, was presented to Huawei for Tech4Nature, a collaborative conservation initiative developed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the Dzilam de Bravo State Reserve in Yucatán, Mexico. The project uses digital technology, including AI and cloud computing, to monitor biodiversity and protect endangered species, especially the jaguar. 

M360 LATAM takes place at Hyatt Regency Mexico City, in partnership with the Latin American Congress of Digital Transformation (CLTD). The simultaneous conferences continue May 13 and 14 with further keynotes, panel discussions and networking opportunities bringing together leaders from across the region’s digital ecosystem. Registration for the event is free of charge and remains open online. 

-ENDS- 

About GSMA  

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to find out more at gsma.com.

About GSMA M360 Series  
The GSMA’s M360 series brings together the regional mobile ecosystem to drive innovation, address challenges, and create a foundation for sustainable business environments and societal change. The events provide a platform for thought leaders and industry experts to share insights, network, and discuss the future of mobile technology. 

Media Contacts  

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