Introduction to the Issue
In Latin America, users of telecommunications services treat connectivity as a luxury or non-essential service, according to Maryleana, the General Secretary of the Interamerican Association of Telecommunications Companies (ASiet).
ASiet’s Persistent Advocacy for Inclusive Connectivity
Despite progress since a decade ago, Latin American governments still view connectivity as a cash cow rather than a development enabler. This mindset has led ASiet to repeatedly emphasize the need for a shift in reasoning regarding inclusivity, which could transform the face of connectivity in Latin America.
- Maryleana Méndez: General Secretary of ASiet, one of the few women leading a telecom entity in Latin America, has been vocal about accelerating regulatory changes and designing more context-specific telecom policies to attract investments and foster digital inclusion.
- GSMA data: Mobile telecom services contribute only 8% to Latin America’s GDP, but this could grow with the widespread adoption of IoT and other technologies.
Méndez highlighted the need to address fundamental issues that have plagued the sector for years, including spectrum costs, tax burdens, and municipal paperwork obstacles.
The Current State of Connectivity in Latin America
Latin America’s internet penetration was 75% of the population in 2023, compared to 92% in the US that same year. By 2024, it was 78%, and it is projected to reach 85% in 2025.
These statistics underscore the persistent heavy taxation and inadequate infrastructure that hinder connectivity progress in Latin America.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by ASiet?: Latin American governments view connectivity as a source of revenue rather than a development enabler, which ASiet believes needs to change.
- What are the consequences of this mindset?: Heavy taxation, cumbersome regulations, and inadequate infrastructure limit connectivity progress.
- What is Maryleana Méndez’s call to action?: She urges Latin American governments to accelerate regulatory improvements and create more context-specific telecom policies.
- What is the current state of internet penetration in Latin America?: In 2023, it was 75% of the population, compared to 92% in the US. It is projected to reach 85% by 2025.
