Introduction to the Latin American Telecommunications Alliance (ALT)
Argentine and Mexican telecommunications operators have initiated the formation of the Latin American Telecommunications Alliance (ALT), which will initially be coordinated by José Otero, an expert in the field and director of ICT Development Consulting. Mr. Otero is also a columnist for various publications, including El Economista.
ALT’s Founding Organizations and Objectives
The ALT is founded by the Argentine Cooperative Telecommunications Chamber (Catel) and the Mexican Independent Telecommunications Association (ATIM). The alliance aims to integrate associations and collectives across Latin America, bringing together local and regional independent operators to influence public policies that ensure digital connectivity and inclusion.
Key Objectives of the ALT
1. Connectivity and Inclusion
- A) Transition from the concept of universal coverage to significant connectivity.
- B) Inclusion of local and proximity-based operators in public policy development, such as social telecommunications coverage deployment and delineation of this offering by locality.
- C) Promotion of local operator access to radio-electric spectrum through temporary local use policies and fair compensation mechanisms.
- D) Minimize the state’s direct provision of telecommunications services by including local operators.
- E) Promotion of tax benefits and subsidies to encourage local operators to invest in active and passive infrastructure, as well as cutting-edge technology services and expansion into underserved or low-income communities.
- F) Promote fair competition among various technologies and business models in government programs, ensuring just access to infrastructure, content, technology, and wholesale services.
- G) Promote the sharing of technical, operational, and commercial experiences among different operators.
2. Clear, Efficient, Stable, and Fair Legislation and Regulation
- A) Establish transparent and stable regulations for obtaining concessions, permits, allocations, and extensions.
- B) Combat piracy.
- C) Create equitable access rules to passive infrastructure, both state and private, by eliminating barriers and promoting transparency for telecommunications network installation.
ALT’s First Meeting and Coordination
The ALT will hold its first meeting of associates on June 26th, during the Convergence Show in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The alliance is coordinated by José Otero, who has extensive recognition in the telecommunications sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are the founding organizations of the ALT?
- A: The Argentine Cooperative Telecommunications Chamber (Catel) and the Mexican Independent Telecommunications Association (ATIM).
- Q: What are the main objectives of the ALT?
- A: The ALT aims to promote connectivity and inclusion, as well as clear, efficient, stable, and fair legislation and regulation in the telecommunications sector across Latin America.
- Q: Who is coordinating the ALT, and what is his background?
- A: José Otero, an expert in the telecommunications field and director of ICT Development Consulting, is coordinating the ALT. He is also a columnist for various publications, including El Economista.
