In the United States, the cell phone is not just a tool: it is an extension of identity. And among all the groups that are transforming the way the country communicates, one in particular stands out: the Latin community.
A new report from T-Mobile, titled “Connected: the power of Latinos in the mobile era”reveals that Not only are Hispanics adopting digital technologies faster, but they are also directly influencing the trends that define the future of connectivity.
“The telephone has become the heart of daily life for Latinos in the US. From starting a business to staying in touch with family in another country, everything happens through the mobile phone,” explains Jorge Martel, Vice President and General Manager of the Southern Division of T-Mobile.
A portrait of the most digitally active community
The “Connected” report is based on an extensive study carried out among Hispanic users in different regions of the country. Their findings are clear: Latinos lead the mobile transformation.
According to the data, More than 90% of Latinos in the US own a smartphone, and 75% use their device as the main means of accessing the internet, above the national average.
“Latinos are redefining the mobile experience in every way: they consume more content, create more community and are more active on social networks,” says Martel. “That digital vitality reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and family connection that characterizes our culture.”
The research also shows that Latinos use the telephone as a multifaceted tool: not only to communicate, but also to educate themselves, undertake business, save and access health services.
From entertainment to entrepreneurship
The report highlights an interesting trend: the line between entertainment and productivity has been blurred. Almost 2 out of 3 Latino users use their phone to manage personal or business projects.
“There is a generation of Latinos who are using the mobile phone as their first office,” says Martel. “From sellers who manage their orders on WhatsApp to content creators who monetize on TikTok or YouTube, the phone is an economical, creative and powerful tool.”
The T-Mobile study points to a profound cultural change: The telephone is not a luxury, but a platform of opportunities. The Latin mobile economy is growing and transforming entire industries, from advertising to e-commerce.
Connectivity as a bridge between cultures
For many Latinos, the telephone is also an emotional tie. According to “Conectados”, more than 80% of respondents say they use their device mainly to keep in touch with family in Latin America.
“That emotional connection is unique,” emphasizes Martel. “When a grandfather in Mexico can see his grandson take his first steps in real time in Miami, that is technology with a human purpose.”
This constant need for transnational connection has driven the adoption of more robust mobile services, international roaming plans and instant messaging platforms that facilitate communication between countries.
Latinos also set the pace on social networks
Latinos are also the most active users on mobile social networks. According to the report, 68% publish content weekly, and a similar percentage follow accounts related to their cultural identity or origin.
Martel sums it up like this: “The content that Latinos create not only entertains, it also builds community. From recipes to music or humor, what they publish generates pride and cultural connection.”
This participation has turned Latinos into a key audience for brands, media and app developers. Its influence defines trends, viralizes challenges and creates new cultural references within the American digital universe.
Language as a competitive advantage
Another finding of the study is the digital bilingualism of Latinos. MMore than half alternate between English and Spanish depending on the context or application.
“This ability to navigate between 2 languages makes Latinos one of the most dynamic audiences in the country,” says Martel. “It’s not just about translating, but about understanding the cultural codes behind the language. And that opens a huge door for companies that want to authentically connect with this community.”
The report suggests that this linguistic flexibility drives the adoption of new platforms, as Latinos feel comfortable moving between content in both languages and adapting their communication style.
A mobile generation driving change
The so-called “Generation M”, young Latinos born or raised in the US, is shaping the future of digital consumption. They are users who grew up with a phone in their hand and see technology as a natural extension of their daily lives.
“Young Latinos not only consume technology, they reinvent it,” says Martel. “His creativity drives cultural movements, redefines music, entertainment and even politics.”
The report highlights that young Latinos spend more than 5 hours a day on their mobile devices, a figure that far exceeds the national average. Additionally, they lead the use of financial, educational and mental well-being applications.
T-Mobile and the commitment to digital inclusion
Beyond the data, “Connected” reflects a corporate mission: to ensure that connectivity is a tool for equality.
“Having access to reliable and affordable wireless service should not be a privilege,” Martel emphasizes. “At T-Mobile we believe everyone deserves the same opportunities to connect, regardless of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status.”
The company has invested in digital education programs and expansion of coverage in Hispanic communitiesespecially in rural or low-income areas. He has also promoted technological literacy initiatives for older Latino adults, seeking to reduce the digital divide.
More than users: protagonists of change
The message left by the report is clear: Latinos are not simple consumers of technology, they are active protagonists of digital change. The way you use, understand and share the mobile world is influencing the direction of the entire industry.
“When we look at the future of mobile technology, we see Latino faces. Because their energy, their culture and their creativity are shaping how we all experience connectivity today,” concludes Martel.
This is how Latinos, with their adaptable and community spirit, are demonstrating that the telephone not only connects people: it connects worlds.
And in that future that is written from the palm of the hand, the Latin community is not only present. He is leading.
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