- 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.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the  global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.

Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

• The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
• The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us:     Start the discussion

Join Us:           Join our community

Subscribe:       Newsletter on "the next big thing"

Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

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

http://www.frost.com