Latin American mobile users are concerned about data privacy when they are using applications. GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, surveyed 4,500 mobile users in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico about mobile privacy issues. Pat Walsh, who is responsible for privacy at GSMA, explained what’s happening in the region in a video interview with RCR Wireless News.
LTE expands in Brazil: Brazilian carrier Oi became the second operator to launch LTE commercial services in Brazil this week. Oi said services have begun in Rio de Janeiro with further expansion planned for the five cities that will host the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Claro, which was the first carrier to launch LTE services in Brazil, also made an announcement: the Brazilian unit of the Mexican group América Móvil launched commercial LTE services in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil.
Results: América Móvil posted a weaker first-quarter profit compared to the same period the previous year, reporting a 17% drop to $2.18 billion since the company started spending more on Internet-enabled handsets to attract new customers.
Merger impacts: Pyramid Research gave a favorable assessment the UNE and Tigo (Millicom) merger in Colombia. According to the consulting firm, the merger of the two carriers would offer the most opportunity for UNE’s parent company, Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), to secure long-term viability in the Colombian telecommunications market. 
Broadband accesses: The number of broadband accesses in Brazil reached 96.5 million connections, according to SindiTelebrasil, the National Union of Telephone Companies and Service Mobile Phones and Personnel, which released this year’s first quarter numbers. Approximately 75.5 million connections are mobile, and a total of 3,333 municipalities currently have 3G coverage.
Data centers: Frost & Sullivan reported that Brazil leads Latin American data center market. The total LatAm market is expected to grow 7% per year until 2014.
Vendor announcements: Ceragon Networks announced that it has received new orders from a carrier for products and services valued at more than $8 million. While the company did not disclose the carrier’s name, Ceragon did state that it is a network upgrade project that will enable a range of 3G and future 4G services.
Orange Business Services announced the expansion of its unified communications as a service offer named Business Together as a Service to several countries including a few in Latin America.
Material fact: Oi posted a material fact of the step-up in basis of assets arising from Brasil Telecom S.A.’s acquisition of control of Telemar Norte Leste S.A.
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