In a world where approximately 2.6 billion people remain disconnected, the future of connectivity in Latin America hangs in the balance. This comprehensive report delves into the critical discussions that have emerged about the state of connectivity and associated investments. Latin America has already seen significant developments in this area, with initiatives in Brazil through Anatel, Mexico via IFT, and international organisations like GSMA and ASIET playing pivotal roles.
The report examines the necessary investments to support current traffic, the deployment of new technologies like 5G, and the ongoing challenge of connecting the unconnected. A significant focus is the ‘telco tax’ or ‘Fair Share’, shaped by a public consultation in February 2023 by the European Commission, which highlighted an average annual internet traffic growth of over 34% since 2015.
This analysis also addresses the global discussion that arose from this consultation, not just about the potential contributions of Content and Application Providers (CAPs) to internet infrastructure costs, but also various issues raised by companies, regulators, users, and the broader digital ecosystem.
Key themes emerging from this debate include the sustainability of infrastructure investments, new technologies and services and their impact on internet traffic, and potential regulations or policies that extend beyond a new digital tax, among others.
In Latin America, this debate has gained increasing attention, mirroring discussions in developed markets. This report draws on comparative literature reviews, data analysis, and recent evidence to examine the contribution of digital platforms to internet infrastructure and connectivity within the framework of ‘Fair Connectivity’, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to transformative technologies while promoting competition and consumer choice.
The report is structured into four sections: i) Context of the discussion; ii) State of connectivity in Latin America; iii) The role of users and digital platforms on the internet and Fair Connectivity value chain; and iv) Findings and recommendations. It concludes with alternative studies that could further enrich the debate and help stakeholders in Latin America achieve Fair Connectivity.
Download our report to discover more on the state of connectivity in Latin America.
