Latin America - Broadband and Internet Market

Aug 28, 2014 : Bharat Book Bureau presents the new report, on " Latin America - Broadband and Internet Market”, providers, revenue growth has been limited by competitive pressures, and by the high cost of infrastructure build beyond densely populated areas.

Investments in mobile networks boost broadband connectivity across the region

Fixed broadband penetration in the LAC region remains below the global average, and significantly so by comparison to some East Asian countries, as well as to European and North American markets. This is largely the legacy of poor fixed-line connectivity which continues to affect many rural and mountainous regions. In addition, relatively low computer use and significant poverty prevent many social groups from spending on all but basic telecom services.

A number of government measures are in place to address these issues, such as subsidies for STBs to support the analogue-switch-over process, and national projects such as Broadband for Schools by which refurbished computers are distributed free.

These developments reflect the awareness among governments and telcos alike of the strategic importance of high-speed broadband services for GDP growth and socio-economic improvement. Governments directly involved in plans to expand broadband access include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

For providers, revenue growth has been limited by competitive pressures, and by the high cost of infrastructure build beyond densely populated areas. In consequence, many telcos are fast developing FttP networks to service areas where households and businesses can be expected to pay for premium services. They have also become more adept at capitalising on their fixed and mobile assets to develop integrated networks, so providing a full portfolio of services to customers while reducing operating costs.

While investment in fixed-line infrastructure continues, mainly focussed on urban areas, the market in coming years...