Abstract
Overview
This report covers developments in the mobile voice and data markets of Latin
America and the Caribbean. The countries covered in this report include:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,
Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname,
Uruguay, Venezuela, and the small Caribbean island nations.
Key highlights:
Argentina
Argentina' s mobile market is the third largest in Latin America, after Brazil
and Mexico. In terms of mobile penetration, Argentina is the leader in South
and Central America, although trailing many of the Caribbean islands. Three
operators, Movistar, Claro, and Telecom Personal, run a close competition for
market share. All three companies have launched 3G services over HSDPA
networks, and have extended 3G coverage to all of Argentina' s 23 provinces.
Spectrum auctions are expected to take place in 2009. Despite having reached
maturity and passed the 100% penetration threshold, the Argentine mobile
market still has some potential for growth, once the economic downturn lifts.
Brazil
In terms of subscribers, Brazil' s mobile market is the fifth largest in the
world. Yet, although Brazil holds almost one third of all the mobile users in
Latin America, its mobile penetration is lower than the regional average.
Number portability is being introduced gradually, starting with the city of
Sao Paulo in August 2008, and concluding with nationwide implementation by
March 2009. WCDMA has made a strong start; 3G services are present in almost
every single Brazilian state, with the following operators operating UMTS
networks: Vivo, Claro, TIM Brazil, Oi, Brasil Telecom, and CTBC. Vivo and
Claro have the most extensive 3G coverage, each company servicing well over
200 municipalities.
Mexico
Driven by a booming GSM sector, Mexico' s mobile industry is growing at a
yearly rate of approximately 17% per annum, achieving more than 70%
penetration by the end of 2008. Mexico' s mobile market is the most dynamic
sector in the telecommunications industry, which remains in double figure
revenue growth despite the broader economy entering a period of recession. The
implementation of mobile number portability in mid-2008 together with the
planned wireless spectrum auctions in early 2009 are expected to boost
competition in the mobile market and facilitate the launch of next generation
mobile technology.
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