Industry and government leaders gather in Uzbekistan to address
the challenges and opportunities that will determine Eurasia's $300
billion connected future


M360
Eurasia 2026 opened today in Samarkand, as
policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators gathered
to accelerate Eurasia’s connected future and discuss the policies
and technologies needed to unlock the region’s full digital
potential. New data published today in the
Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026 report shows the mobile ecosystem
generated $270 billion in economic value across the region in 2025,
equivalent to 8.1% of GDP and is on track to surpass $300 billion
by 2030.


During the event’s opening keynote, the GSMA’s Chief Regulatory
Officer John Giusti addressed the choices shaping Eurasia’s digital
future, highlighting the role of mobile connectivity, 5G, AIready
public services and resilient digital infrastructure. He emphasised
the need for longterm investment, balanced regulation and strong
collaboration between industry and governments.


John Guisti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, said: "The
mobile industry is a powerful driver of growth across Eurasia,
contributing around $270 billion to the regional economy today and
set to reach $300 billion by 2030. Hosting M360 Eurasia in
Samarkand is especially fitting. Uzbekistan’s rapid digital
progress shows how mobile connectivity can modernise public
services, boost productivity and improve lives across the
region.”


The Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026


Launched today, the
Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026 report sets out the scale of
mobile’s contribution to Eurasia, along with the key priorities
that will shape the region’s next phase of digital growth. Top
findings include:



  • Mobile technologies and services generated $270 billion in
    economic value across Eurasia in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of GDP,
    and are forecast to reach $300 billion – or 8.4% of GDP – by
    2030.

  • Despite mobile internet coverage continuing to expand, a usage
    gap of 29% persists across the region (nearly ten times the
    coverage gap of 3%), with affordability, digital skills and trust
    the primary barriers to wider adoption.

  • By 2030, nearly 30% of all mobile connections in Eurasia will
    run on 5G – with Uzbekistan forecast to exceed the regional
    average, reaching over 40% of connections on 5G by 2030.

  • The mobile ecosystem supported approximately 750,000 jobs
    across the region during 2025.

  • By 2030, mobile’s contribution is expected to grow at a CAGR of
    2.4%, outpacing overall regional GDP growth (CAGR of 1.7%).


Pitch Day: Uzbekistan


M360 Eurasia also plays host to
Pitch Day: Uzbekistan – a joint initiative between IT Park
Uzbekistan, IT Ventures, the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU), and the GSMA – giving the country’s most promising
technology startups the chance to compete on an international stage
and put their innovations in front of a global investor audience.
The winning team will receive $10,000 and dedicated 4YFN exhibition
space at MWC27 Barcelona. Follow
our social media channels where the winners will be
revealed.


Green and Digital Solutions regional
hackathon







M360 Eurasia is excited to welcome the semi-final of the

Green and Digital Solutions regional hackathon to Samarkand.
Taking place on Thursday 21 May, the hackathon will bring together
young innovators from across Central Asia with one aim: to bridge
the gap between digital innovation and sustainable development in a
region facing intensifying climate pressures. The hackathon is
organised by the Kyrgyz State Technical University in partnership
with the ITU and GIZ PROGRESS.


M360 Eurasia takes place at Hilton Samarkand Regency and marks
the second year of partnership between the GSMA, the Ministry of
Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Beeline
Uzbekistan, and VEON Group, with supporting partners ITU and the
Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC).


Registration for the event is free of charge and remains
open
online.


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


GSMA Press Office [email protected]