Connectivity Gaps in Latin America
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
Connectivity Gaps in Latin America
A Roadmap for Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador
Recent years have seen an internet connectivity revolution in Latin America. Between 2014 and 2021, the number of people in the region with mobile internet access nearly doubled, from 220 million to almost 400 million. Despite this spectacular growth, 230 million people remain without access to mobile internet. And in contrast to the fast pace of change seen over the last few years, further progress will be increasingly complex.
Lack of demand (the ‘usage gap’) is the main driver of the mobile internet connectivity gap across Latin America. Some 190 million people across the region (of the 230 million unconnected), in both urban and rural areas, live in locations with mobile internet network coverage but do not access the internet. Despite a continued decline in service prices, this usage gap remains due to a lack of affordability.
This report examines the limitations of the current design of universal service funds (USFs) and proposes reforms and alternative options to expand 4G connectivity levels by 2030.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this report. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
Report details
Connectivity Gaps in Latin America
Related research
Accelerating Smartphone Adoption in Africa
The slower uptake of mobile internet subscriptions in Africa is due to a range of factors, notably the lack of ability or willingness to own and use a smartphone. Affordability is the main reason for the comparatively low level of smartphone adoption in Africa. There is widespread agreement among stakeholders about the importance of increasing smartphone adoption in Africa by improving both affordability and accessibility, but progress remains slow due to persistent and complex barriers faced by the most vulnerable groups. This analysis draws on survey data from consumers in eight markets: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia, as well as insights from other countries across the continent.
Digital Nations 2025: Sustaining progress in Asia Pacific through investment
Digitalisation continues to be a top priority for nations seeking to drive economic growth and foster inclusive, resilient societies. Continued progress with digitalisation will require increased efforts to address the digital investment gap, as indicated by a mismatch between the demand and supply of digital services. Drawing insights from the Digital Nations Index, this report highlights the investment gap in key areas across Asia Pacific.
Design matters: how interoperability models impact financial inclusion and competition
This report evaluates the impact of mobile money interoperability on adoption, usage and competition. With interoperability now present in more than 90 markets, the study moves beyond binary classifications to assess how different policy models – market-led, regulator-led and voluntary – affect outcomes.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Accelerating Smartphone Adoption in Africa
The slower uptake of mobile internet subscriptions in Africa is due to a range of factors, notably the lack of ability or willingness to own and use a smartphone. Affordability is the main reason for the comparatively low level of smartphone adoption in Africa. There is widespread agreement among stakeholders about the importance of increasing smartphone adoption in Africa by improving both affordability and accessibility, but progress remains slow due to persistent and complex barriers faced by the most vulnerable groups. This analysis draws on survey data from consumers in eight markets: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia, as well as insights from other countries across the continent.
Digital Nations 2025: Sustaining progress in Asia Pacific through investment
Digitalisation continues to be a top priority for nations seeking to drive economic growth and foster inclusive, resilient societies. Continued progress with digitalisation will require increased efforts to address the digital investment gap, as indicated by a mismatch between the demand and supply of digital services. Drawing insights from the Digital Nations Index, this report highlights the investment gap in key areas across Asia Pacific.
Design matters: how interoperability models impact financial inclusion and competition
This report evaluates the impact of mobile money interoperability on adoption, usage and competition. With interoperability now present in more than 90 markets, the study moves beyond binary classifications to assess how different policy models – market-led, regulator-led and voluntary – affect outcomes.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics