LATIN AMERICA — Motorola has launched Global Connect, a native travel eSIM service designed for its smartphones. The service is initially available in several Latin American countries, with plans for expansion to other regions.

The Global Connect app is currently available for download from the Google Play Store for any Motorola phone equipped with eSIM capabilities. Motorola intends to preinstall the application on new devices in the future. The 2026 Moto G Play, priced at $180, supports the Global Connect app. The service currently offers coverage in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Chile. Motorola stated that support for Germany, the U.K., and other European countries will be available in the coming weeks. A release date for the U.S. has not been announced.

The Global Connect eSIM service provides data-only connectivity and does not include voice calls or standard text messaging. The service is powered by Gigs, a San Francisco-based company, which also provides mobile data plan infrastructure for companies like Klarna and Cash App. To use the service, users must install the Global Connect app and create a Gigs account. Global Connect service is available in over 160 countries, with data rates ranging from $3 for 1 GB for 30 days to $14 for 20 GB. Motorola is offering 1 GB of free data with the first travel eSIM for a limited time.

Sudhir Chadaga, vice president for Partnerships at Motorola, addressed the user experience. "What we're trying to do for our consumers is solve that friction point of getting that travel eSIM quickly on the device as they're heading out to travel," Chadaga said. He added, "With Global Connect, that's exactly what we're bringing to our users."

Siddhant Cally, a senior analyst on the Networks and Connectivity team at Counterpoint Research, commented on the integration model. "Nothing gets closer to the first touchpoint than a built-in stock app," Cally said. Motorola's entire smartphone range supports eSIMs. Apple has sold eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S. since 2022, and Google's Pixel 10 series smartphones are also eSIM-only.

Why It Matters

This initiative expands Motorola's services directly into the travel connectivity market by offering an integrated eSIM solution. By simplifying the process of obtaining travel data plans, Motorola aims to address a common challenge for international travelers. The future preinstallation of the app on new devices and the planned expansion into additional regions like Europe indicate Motorola's strategy to broaden its market presence and integrate the service more deeply into its product ecosystem.