\tLIVE FROM MOBILE 360 LATIN AMERICA, MEXICO CITY: America Movil chairman Carlos Slim Domit (pictured) highlighted the key role technology, and specifically telecoms, plays in driving one of the most disruptive periods in human evolution.<\/p>\n
Picking up on the theme of technology as an enabler of societal progression [1] detailed earlier by GSMA director general Mats Granryd, Slim Domit noted connectivity is fuelling the next major change in civilisation.<\/p>\n
What he dubbed the \u201cconnectivity age\u201d is delivering access to communications and services which are increasing social inclusion, in turn \u201cgenerating profound disruptions and modifying the moulds\u201d of society.<\/p>\n
While this era may bring with it \u201cmore challenges\u201d and risks, he added it also brings \u201copportunities, because it is based on inclusion and general welfare\u201d.<\/p>\n
The executive cited prepaid mobile services as an example, noting around 80 per cent of users in developing markets are on such plans, making it \u201cone of the biggest catalysts\u201d for inclusion and growth, particularly as the cost of connectivity has fallen over time.<\/p>\n
Slim Domit highlighted the importance of network coverage: America Movil\u2019s Mexican telecoms units Telmex and Telcel are expanding their networks into areas of the country previously unconnected, with a 700MHz-based shared network enabling broadband connections.<\/p>\n
Responsibility
\nIts networks are open to competitors at non-discriminatory rates as all operators see the \u201curgency of providing connectivity to the whole country\u201d.<\/p>\n
Doing so \u201cfosters cultural, health\u201d and employment opportunities: \u201cwe have a better social inclusion as never before today with the connectivity\u201d, he said, highlighting programmes America Movil backs that offer remote education and employment training, along with access to predictive health schemes covering chronic illnesses.<\/p>\n
However, while Slim Domit noted technologies including AI, big data, analytics and IoT will promote inclusion, he argued the industry can only do so much on its own.<\/p>\n
Governments must play their part with \u201cintelligent policies that foster innovation\u201d. Regulators, professionals and companies have \u201ca collective responsibility\u201d to promote universal connectivity by aiding technological development \u201cto channel it in the right way and turn it into an overcoming tool\u201d.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/m360-latam19-news\/gsma-chief-urges-authorities-to-resist-greed\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LIVE FROM MOBILE 360 LATIN AMERICA, MEXICO CITY: America Movil chairman Carlos Slim Domit (pictured) …<\/p>\n
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