Introduction to Futurecom and its Significance
Futurecom, the premier telecommunications forum in Latin America, marks its 30th anniversary in 2025. This event is not just about its expansive 25,000 square meters of exhibition space or the average 30,000 attendees per edition. Instead, Futurecom has become a convergence space where all stakeholders—from state secretaries to corporate directors and academia—gather to discuss connectivity and new technologies. Despite language barriers, as Futurecom offers translation services for visitors from across the continent, including Mexican regulators who have always been warmly welcomed.
Overcoming Challenges and Growth
Futurecom has endured numerous external obstacles impacting Brazilian life and has been itinerant, moving from Florianópolis to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Along this route, over 500 companies have annually announced their telecommunications services and products, highlighting Brazil’s significant market size in this sector—potentially twice that of Mexico and always at the forefront of technological innovation and public policy.
Leadership for the 30th Edition
Hermano Pinto, director corporativo de relaciones institucionales at Informa Latam, and Fernando D’Ascola, jefe de portafolio de infraestructura y tecnología at Informa Markets, lead the 30th edition of Futurecom.
Evolution and Impact Over Three Decades
Pinto and D’Ascola recount the birth and maturation of Futurecom as a telecommunications forum that has witnessed industry transformation. In 1995, Embratel was a state-owned giant, and Mexican investment in Brazilian telecommunications was distant—much like Mexico is on a map. After 30 years, Embratel is part of the Mexican holding, América Móvil, which has captured one-third of the Brazilian telecom market.
“As we approach edition 30, we’ve seen how the industry has transitioned and how the market has changed. We’ve witnessed companies disappearing while others have consolidated. How have we survived? By constantly asking ourselves what the market is, what it is, and again, what the ever-evolving market is. Addressing topics from 2G to edge computing and computational solutions has allowed us to become a reference,” said Fernando D’Ascola.
Brazil’s Telecommunications Landscape
In just 30 years in Brazil, mobile communication has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity for communication, entertainment, and work. Brazil now ranks fifth globally in mobile internet penetration with 185 million accesses and a total of 265 million chips distributed across the country, including those for end-users with only voice or pure internet and for productive processes, as IoT services are increasingly used daily in Brazil.
Fixed-wireless access (FWA) technology also began in Brazil before other Latin American countries, thanks to América Móvil. Meanwhile, Telefónica entered the financial credit sector through a third party—topics first discussed at Futurecom.
Futurecom 2025: Key Themes and Impact
Futurecom 2025 will address artificial intelligence, submarine and satellite infrastructure deployment, data center establishment; digital transformation, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability; emerging technologies and their applications in public sectors like healthcare and education, as well as private sector industries such as agribusiness. Data protection in digital security will also be discussed.
Futurecom’s Relevance and Influence
The telecommunications industry contributed 3.8% to Brazil’s GDP in 2024, and the country re-entered the global top ten for nations receiving telecommunications and information technology investments, totaling up to $59 billion.
“The discussion has always been about enhancing people’s quality of life through digital inclusion and leveraging technology to improve industrial productivity,” explained Hermano Pinto.
“Futurecom’s core function is to create a space for debate and innovation presentation, as all this significantly impacts society. Sometimes the discussion is more economic than technical, but it’s here where fundamental challenges for companies and necessary legal adjustments are recognized. What is presented here shapes people’s daily lives,” Pinto concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Futurecom? Futurecom is the leading telecommunications forum in Latin America, celebrating 30 years of fostering dialogue and innovation in the sector.
- Why is Futurecom significant? It brings together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss connectivity, new technologies, and their impact on society.
- What are the key themes for Futurecom 2025? Artificial intelligence, infrastructure deployment, digital transformation, energy efficiency, data protection, and emerging technologies in public and private sectors.
- How has the Brazilian telecommunications market evolved? Mobile communication transitioned from a luxury to a necessity, with high internet penetration and IoT services gaining traction.
- What is the role of Futurecom in the telecommunications industry? Futurecom creates a platform for debate and innovation presentation, shaping people’s daily lives through technology advancements.
