Brazilian telecom operator Vivo announced plans to expand its fiber optic network across state capitals of Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Brasília, Salvador and Porto Alegre. The carrier, which is controlled by Spanish group Telefónica, said the initiative is part of its plans to gain corporate market share outside of São Paulo and will include the deployment of more than 83 miles of fiber.
Vivo currently rents last-mile fiber from third parties.
Vivo rival TIM said it has expanded its ultra-broadband services to more 16 neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, bringing total coverage to 77 neighborhoods.
Argentina’s investments: The Argentinian government announced plans to allocate $1.422 billion next year to finance telecommunications plans. The amount is a 15% increase over the $1.094 billion earmarked for 2013. The total investment still needs approvals by the House of Representatives. The amount is expected to be allocated to support Argentina Conectada (Argentina Connected), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and to Arsat, among others.
Openet expands in CaLA: Policy and charging control company Openet is optimistic that LTE deployments across the Caribbean and Latin American region will boost its sales, with Brazil a focal point of potential, according to Juliana Su, COO of Openet. In an interview with RCR Wireless News, revenue from the region stays is reinvested in the region. The company’s clients include Brazilian Nextel and Algar Telecom — and more are coming, said Su. “LTE can push CaLA [results] as we benefit from our experience in Europe.”
Venezuela competition stagnant: Venezuela’s service market is not expected to see much change in competition over the next five years, as Pyramid Research noted in a report that Cantv-Movilnet and Movistar will see their percentage of the country’s total revenues remain constant at around 74%.
More news from Latin American region:
- Honduras telecom regulator Conatel plans to auction 1700/2100MHz frequency bands aimed at providing “4G” services in the country. The auction is expected to begin Sept. 23.
- Peru’s OSIPTEL has approved rules relating to the access of electronic money offered by telecom operators. The approved rules ensure that electronic money issuers can connect to networks of telecommunications operating companies on a fair and mutually equal basis.
- Having launched Clarovideo in markets such as Brazil, Claro Chas announced the release of this over-the-top video platform that competes against Netflix. The service is also offered in Mexico and Colombia.
- Claro Argentina has partnered with Jasper Wireless to deliver new services through connected enterprise and consumer electronics devices.
- IDC Brazil reported that during the second quarter 1.92 million tablets were sold in the country, representing an increase of 151% compared to the same period last year. In Mexico, tablet penetration was at 4.1% of total population.
- The Colombian government said it will make available about $514 million to connect municipalities with broadband access across the country.
- Mobile voice and data will continue to be extremely important to SMEs in emerging markets as coverage is far wider than fixed networks, and the cost is more competitive against fixed alternatives than in developed markets, according to Analysys Mason in a recent survey.
Be sure not to miss what’s happening in Latin America’s wireless markets. Check out RCR Wireless News wrap ups.
