More Chile IP Communications Stories

A recent report by Pyramid Research indicates that Chile is all set to dominate other countries in Latin America in the implementation of mobile technology. By the end of 2016, 3G+ is expected to account for 99 percent of all mobile subscriptions.

This is borne out by Jose Mario Lopez, Pyramid Research Analyst, who stated that that mobile device vendors were aggressively pushing 3G devices to end users and, as a result, by the end of 2016, 99 percent of mobile subscriptions would either be using a 3G device or one with enhanced capabilities.

The adoption of the technology has been so fast and so widespread that subscription rates are expected to surpass even fixed telephony in the near future. According to Jose Mario Lopez, Pyramid Research Analyst, Chile accounted for 34 percent of the total mobile subscriptions at year-end 2011. This is bound to see an upward trend and Chile is expected to continue its domination in Latin America.

According to Subtel, tenders for 4G are expected to take place at the end of 2011 or at the latest by 2012. With at least 12 percent of devices in use to be 4G by 2016, analysts say that Chile may take the lead in the 4G market too and become the first Latin American country to deploy LTE (News - Alert).

In another news story, although LTE trials are under way in 11 countries, there are currently no commercial launches of 4G anywhere in Latin America. The first potential 4G launch in Latin America is expected in the first quarter 2012.

Latin America still has a predominance of 2G networks, and before launching LTE services, carriers have a lot to do in updating their networks to 3G. “We will see two, three operators launching LTE, but they are few and they aim to position themselves as innovators,” said Jose Otero with Signals Consulting. “Operators still have to deploy 3G. In addition, LTE devices are very expensive.”