RIO DE JANEIRO – The Latin America region is expected to grow from 130 million mobile broadband connections today to 300 million by 2015, according to GSMA Chairman Franco Bernarbè. During a speech at this week’s Futurecom event, Bernarbè highlighted the importance of mobile broadband growth to the region.
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Bolstering the predicted increase, the GSMA expects smartphones penetration to reach 33% by 2014 and 60% in 2018. Smartphone prices is seen as key to increased adoption across Latin America. “Enablements of the next wave are investment, regulatory and innovation,” Bernarbè pointed out, adding the need of ensuring quality in the evolving scenario.
The GSMA also predicts that by 2015 there will be more than 750 million mobile connections in Latin America, representing 130% penetration.
Bernarbè also highlighted the economic impact of the connected economy. “Telecom industry contribution to Latin America reaches $175 billion or 3.6% of regional GDP, and creates more than 1.5 million jobs. The public funding of $54 billion is 30% over 2008.”
