MANILA, Philippines– The GSMA Digital Nation Summit in Manila showcased the pivotal role of mobile technology in shaping the Philippines’ economic and societal growth. Leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for achieving the country’s vision of becoming a leading digital nation in Asia-Pacific.
Mobile transformation and 5G growth
New GSMA research revealed significant progress in mobile infrastructure development. Smartphone adoption is projected to reach 92% by 2030, up from 86% in 2023, while 5G networks are expected to power 51% of connections, a leap from just 3% in 2023. Despite these gains, 45% of Filipinos remain offline, citing barriers like affordability, digital literacy, and security concerns.
“Mobile technology is central to the Philippines’ journey toward inclusive growth,” said Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. “Our summit fosters collaboration to address challenges like privacy risks and trust issues.”
Addressing digital challenges
The summit underscored the need to address privacy threats, with financial crime affecting 29% of Filipinos and deepfake incidents surging by 4,500%. Gorman emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation and robust policies to safeguard digital trust.
Aligning with Fintech Week
The one-day event complements Fintech Week, focusing on the role of financial technology in fostering inclusive digital growth. Key discussions include partnerships between mobile operators like Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, leveraging APIs to combat online fraud through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
Collaborative strategies for success
The summit brought together leaders from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, Meta, and other key players. The discussions emphasized the importance of partnerships in overcoming digital divides and achieving the country’s vision of a digitally empowered future.
“The Philippines stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey,” Gorman concluded. “With sustained efforts, the country is well-positioned to lead as a digital nation in Asia-Pacific.”
FAQs
What is the GSMA Digital Nation Summit?
The GSMA Digital Nation Summit is a gathering of government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts to discuss strategies for advancing mobile technology and digital transformation.
What are the key findings from the GSMA reports?
- Mobile subscribers in the Philippines are expected to reach 78% of the population by 2030.
- 5G connections will grow from 3% in 2023 to 51% by 2030.
- Smartphone adoption will increase to 92% by 2030.
What challenges does the Philippines face in digital adoption?
Barriers include affordability of devices, limited digital literacy, privacy concerns, and security risks.
What is the GSMA Open Gateway initiative?
It is a global program that opens mobile network capabilities through APIs to improve digital trust and combat online fraud.
How does the event tie in with Fintech Week?
The summit aligns with Fintech Week, focusing on financial technology’s role in promoting inclusive digital growth in the Philippines.