Connectivity Gaps in Latin America

Thursday 30 Mar 2023 | Brasil | Resources (en) |

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The report ‘Connectivity Gaps in Latin America. A Roadmap for Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador‘ reveals that the gap in terms of internet provision (the ‘coverage gap’) across most of the countries studied is not wide. At a regional average of 7% of the population (and even lower in some countries), the coverage gap is concentrated in remote areas or locations with complex terrain, making network deployments economically challenging.

Lack of demand (the ‘usage gap’) is the main driver of the mobile internet connectivity gap across Latin America. 31% of the regional population (190 million people), in both urban and rural areas, live in locations with mobile internet network coverage but do not access the internet.

The report examines the limitations of the current design of Universal Service Funds (USFs), the main public policy tool to close the connectivity gap, and proposes reforms and alternative options to expand 4G connectivity levels by 2030.

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Executive Summary (English)

Connectivity Gaps in Latin America image

Full Report (English)

Connectivity Gaps in Latin America image

Executive Summary (Spanish)

Connectivity Gaps in Latin America image

Full Report (Spanish)