Next-generation mobile networks can power the region’s digital transformation, but regulatory modernisation is needed to bridge an investment gap and support widespread deployment.</
At the 41st CANTO Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition, the GSMA published the first-ever edition of “The Mobile Economy Caribbean”, extending its flagship Mobile Economy report series to the region. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the regional mobile ecosystem, which supported 170,000 jobs and generated $21 billion in economic value in 2025, equivalent to 8.1% of the region’s GDP.
5G currently accounts for 10% of mobile connections in the Caribbean and is projected to reach 23% by 2030, with the three largest markets (Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago) expected to account for more than 65% of total 5G connections. GSMA Intelligence research estimates that for all Caribbean markets to achieve 5G coverage levels comparable to the leading markets, this would require close to $1 billion in total investment. However, under current market conditions, only around half of this investment is expected to be commercially recoverable. Regulatory modernisation, investment
Other key findings include:
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The usage gap—those living in areas with mobile internet coverage but not using it— stands at 49% of the population, significantly larger than the 10% coverage gap. Network availability is no longer the primary barrier; handset
affordability, digital skills and access to relevant content are now the main factors limiting widespread and meaningful internet use. -
Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption is advancing across the telecom industry, with nearly 35% of operators in the Caribbean using AI agents for customer care. AI is also playing an increasingly important role in network automation, which is particularly valuable in a region where operators face high infrastructure costs, geographically fragmented markets and limited economies of scale.
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Direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services are emerging as a new connectivity layer that can supplement terrestrial mobile networks in areas without coverage or during outages caused by natural disasters. As the technology evolves, it will be essential to ensure that D2D services do not cause harmful interference to the terrestrial mobile services that millions of people rely on.
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Despite their vital role in disaster-prone environments, only 39% of island nations report having a multi-hazard Early Warning System (EWS) in place. Mobile connectivity represents a powerful asset that can help strengthen these systems.
“Small and geographically fragmented markets make network investment more complex and costly than in many other regions. Yet these are also the communities that have the most to gain from resilient, high-quality connectivity. Modern, investment-friendly policies will be essential to expanding access to digital services, supporting economic growth across the Caribbean,” said Lucas Gallitto, Head of Latin America and the Caribbean, GSMA.
“The Mobile Economy Caribbean 2026” is available for download in English and French here.
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
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