Covid-19 impact on operators, Q1 2021

As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on the MVNO segment, highlighting how it has changed in the last six months and the implications.

Operators across Eurasia are navigating a structurally challenging environment, yet the mobile ecosystem plays a crucial role supporting resilience across the region. Mobile technologies and services generated $270 billion for the Eurasian economy in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of GDP. The industry’s economic contribution will reach $300 billion by 2030.

The role of the mobile industry as an engine of economic development is particularly important as Latin America experiences moderate growth and persistent productivity challenges. With traditional growth drivers under pressure, digital technologies are becoming essential tools to boost competitiveness and support economic diversification. In 2025, mobile technologies and services in Latin America generated $600 billion in economic value, supported nearly 3 million jobs and contributed $50 billion in public revenues.