Sustainability

The Mobile Industry aims to help connect the unconnected in Latin America and the Caribbean, with full collaboration between mobile operators and government. The GSMA Digital Inclusion Programme supports the mobile industry and the We Care campaign to increase internet uptake, tackling four key barriers: coverage, affordability, digital skills and locally relevant content.

MNOs play a key role in child online protection, working with government, law enforcement, civil society and helplines. The GSMA and its members in Latin America will lead debate on how to protect young people online and create a safe environment for children to use mobile services.

Despite a lack of specific legislation and proper management, the Latin American mobile industry conducts voluntary e-waste management campaigns and initiatives under its corporate social responsibility programmes. Regional mobile operators are developing reverse logistics schemes to collect, store, classify and dispose of e-waste, while also investing in recycling programmes and plants, conducting reforestation activities and heading awareness campaigns.

Mobile networks and the connectivity they provide can be a lifeline for those affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. They facilitate access to information and coordinate assistance in affected populations and among governments, NGOs and the international humanitarian community. Mobile operators work with humanitarian organisations and governments to determine the most effective way to support each other and improve preparedness and resilience among networks in disasters.

Mobile operators aim to provide protection tools to users across the region. They work with regulators and governments to conduct awareness campaigns on safe use of mobile services and direct users towards institutions and help channels that assist and advise in public safety matters.

Handset theft has skyrocketed in Latin America due to increasing mobile phone uptake. Public and private sectors are working together to stop stolen devices being activated and halt the black market and crime. To tackle handset theft effectively, coordinated action among users, operators, regulators and manufacturers is necessary.