Higher Penetration of Smartphones Increases Uptake of Mobile Broadband Services in Latin America, Finds Frost & Sullivan
- Handset technology transition from 2G to 3G increases the number of 3G handsets, boosting adoption of mobile broadband
SAO PAULO, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The increasing coverage of 3G, 3.5G, and 4G networks and greater penetration of low-cost smart devices has significantly increased the revenue generation opportunities of mobile broadband service providers in Latin America. Mobile broadband is emerging as a likely substitute for fixed broadband in metropolitan areas, both in the residential and corporate segments. By the end of 2011, handsets already accounted for 80.5 percent of all mobile broadband connections.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.wireless.frost.com), Latin American Mobile Broadband Services Markets finds that the market earned revenues of $6.74 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $34.41 billion in 2017, driven by increasing demand for mobility, penetration of smart devices, and convergent services and bundles.
"Consumer behavior has changed in recent years, resulting in higher demand for mobile Internet to access social network applications, instant messaging, mobile voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and many other value-added services and applications," said Frost & Sullivan Telecommunications Team Leader, Renato Pasquini.
Although the market has vast potential, it is pegged back by regulatory delays on spectrum auctions, low spectrum caps, and lack of competition in distant regions and rural areas. In addition, users' inadequate knowledge regarding smart devices restrains its adoption in several zones.
These challenges are compelling mobile operators to formulate innovative strategies and service plans to deal with the data traffic explosion and obtain returns on investment. Further, national broadband plans implemented by governments in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are stimulating mobile broadband coverage.
Mobile operators also need to work on network upgrades, planning and monitoring as well as building Wi-Fi hotspots for traffic upload, as it can minimize the impact of regulatory delays and mandates regarding tower installations.
"The mobile broadband service requires huge investments in backbone, backhaul, and other network elements," noted Pasquini. "Mobile operators need to maintain reasonable service quality and generate free cash flow, without excessively affecting network usage."
If you are interested in more information on this research, please send an email to Francesca Valente, Corporate Communications, at francesca.valente@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.
Latin American Mobile Broadband Services Markets is part of the Mobile & Wireless Communications Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: Latin American Mobile Services Markets, Latin American Data Communications Services Markets, Latin America Mobile Enterprise Services Markets, and Latin American Broadband Services Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
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Latin American Mobile Broadband Services Markets
N992-65
Contact:
Francesca Valente
Corporate Communications – Latin America
P: +54-11-4777-5300
F: +54-11-4777-5300
E: francesca.valente@frost.com
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