Strong domestic demand and rising GDP in Chile drive telecom market growth

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Chile - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts" report to its offering.

Telecom market growth will remain high in Chile thanks to strong domestic demand, rising GDP, and robust competition. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Chile's fixed-line, mobile, broadband, and pay-TV sectors.

Strong domestic demand and rising GDP in Chile drive telecom market growth
Chile's telecom sector is one of the most developed in Latin America, with a state-of-the-art infrastructure and regulatory system. Competition, investment, and innovation have been key factors in the development of the country's telecommunications. Chile is deemed the most transparent country in Latin America, with the lowest level of corruption. Its market-oriented economy and its openness to international investment have made it a popular target with foreign investors.

Market highlights
* In July 2010, Chile became the first country in the world to pass a Network Neutrality Law aimed at ensuring free and equal access to the Internet.
* Fixed and mobile number portability was approved in August 2010, with implementation expected in late 2011 or early 2012 - mobile number portability first, then fixed number portability.
* The government is considering the establishment of a wholesale telecom infrastructure provider.
* Operators are consolidating their fixed-line, mobile, broadband, and pay TV operations under a single brand name: Movistar for Telefonica, Claro for America Movil, and Entel.
* Chile's telecom regulator Subtel plans to auction 2.6GHz spectrum for LTE/4G services towards the end of 2011. Telsur offers TVoIP services and GTD Manquehue provides IPTV over Chile's first FttH network. The GTD group and Movistar have been holding talks aimed at reaching an MVNO agreement, which would allow GTD to offer mobile services over Movistar's network.