#AI #5G #Uzbekistan #Tashkent #GSMA M360

GSMA M360 Eurasia: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Tashkent

The GSMA M360 Eurasia event has made its debut in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where it brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from the technology sector. Policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators are gathering to discuss the rapid evolution of the digital landscape in Eurasia and the significant role of mobile technologies in driving economic growth. This year's event emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and representation, aiming to highlight regional voices and languages that are often overlooked in global discussions on technology and connectivity.

The partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan and Beeline Uzbekistan, a subsidiary of VEON, adds significant value to the event, marking a powerful collaboration between government and industry. This collaborative spirit is essential for fostering the digital ecosystem and exploring the future trajectories of mobile technologies in the region.

Mobile Economy Eurasia Report

One of the highlights of the event is the unveiling of the GSMA Mobile Economy Eurasia report, which predicts a remarkable economic impact from mobile connectivity. By 2030, mobile services are expected to contribute approximately $270 billion to the economies of Eurasia, representing about 8.3% of the region's GDP. During the event, the Director General of GSMA, Vivek Badrinath, emphasized that mobile technologies contribute to over 7.7% of GDP across the region, a figure that is set to grow significantly in the coming years. This reiterates how essential connectivity is as a catalyst for economic development and digital transformation across industries.

Innovations in AI and 5G

A significant portion of the event is dedicated to showcasing innovative projects and technologies aimed at bridging the gaps in digital accessibility. One such initiative is the Kaz-LLM, developed by Kazakh research institutions and VEON's QazCode, in collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and GSMA Foundry. This project aims to address the language gap in AI applications by supporting low-resourced languages, allowing for seamless interaction in Kazakh, Turkish, English, and Russian. Such technological advancements are crucial for inclusivity in the digital age.

Furthermore, GSMA Foundry is partnering with IBM to provide GSMA members with access to cutting-edge tools such as Watsonx.ai. Moreover, discussions regarding Non-Terrestrial Networks in collaboration with the European Space Agency highlight the forward-thinking approach of GSMA in addressing future connectivity needs.

Key Findings on Mobile Internet Usage

The event is also shedding light on the current landscape of mobile internet accessibility within the region. As smartphone adoption increases and mobile internet usage grows, it is reported that 164 million users, or two-thirds of the population, will be using mobile internet by 2024. However, a concerning gap remains, with nearly 80 million people still lacking access to mobile internet, even if they reside in areas covered by network services. Addressing this gap is vital for ensuring equitable access to information and services.

In conclusion, the GSMA M360 Eurasia event is more than just a conference; it is a significant step toward uniting policymakers, industry stakeholders, and innovators in the shared goal of fostering digital transformation across the region. Through collaboration and shared vision, the future looks bright for AI and mobile technologies in Eurasia.

The M360 Eurasia initiative sets the stage for ongoing dialogue and partnership as the region navigates its digital future. With innovation at the forefront and a commitment to inclusivity, the event exemplifies the dynamism of the Eurasian digital landscape.