High-speed data provision via mobile networks in Latin America and the Caribbean
| Date | 12 June 2017 |
| Pages | 287-301 |
| Published date | 12 June 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-04-2017-0015 |
| Author | Peter Curwen,Jason Whalley |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information management & governance,Information policy |
High-speed data provision via
mobile networks in Latin America
and the Caribbean
Peter Curwen and Jason Whalley
Peter Curwen is a
Professor at the
Newcastle Business
School, Northumbria
University, Newcastle
upon Tyne, UK.
Jason Whalley is a
Professor at the
Newcastle Business
School, Northumbria
University, Newcastle, UK
and Telecom Ecole de
Management, Evry,
Île-de-France, France.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to examine in a fully up-to-date manner the position in respect
of the licensing and launch of long-term evolution (LTE) (4G) in a region that attracts relatively little
attention in academic work and the media. The purpose is also to examine the role of incumbency and
to assess to what extent the licensing of LTE can make a difference to the structure of mobile markets
in the region.
Design/methodology/approach –The first step has been to compile extensive databases with
respect to the licensing and launch of high-speed networks in the region, arranged so as to emphasize
the position of the dominant incumbents. A distinction is drawn between the larger, mainly Latin
American, countries and the smaller, mainly Caribbean, islands. There is a discussion of new entry and
its potential to disrupt incumbents.
Findings –The position of dominance held by two operators – América Móvil and Telefonica in the
larger countries and by Digicel and Cable & Wireless Communications (Liberty Global) in the islands –
is brought to the fore, and the analysis demonstrates that this is unlikely to be more than marginally
affected by regulatory attempts to restructure markets by, for example, fostering new entry.
Research limitations/implications –This is necessarily an overview paper as more than 50 countries/
islands are covered, so detailed individual country studies are precluded.
Practical implications –The way forward, such as it is, can only be illuminated by first clarifying the
current state of play.
Originality/value –The databases that underpin the analysis are author-compiled and entirely original.
Keywords Caribbean, Latin America, 4G, Market structure, Long-term evolution,
Mobile communications
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The increasingly wide adoption of mobile devices across the Latin American and Caribbean
region – hereafter LA&C – has created opportunities for countries and communities to close the
digital divide compared with rival locations (Carmody, 2013) and for entrepreneurial activity to
emerge (Jagun et al., 2008;Wamuyu, 2015). More broadly, mobile communications are seen
as contributing positively to economic development (Chavula, 2013;Lee et al., 2012;
Waverman et al., 2005).
One reason why the mobile communications industry is having such a profound impact on
LA&C is that mobile technology has not stood still. With each successive generation of
mobile technologies, a broader array of services has become possible. Because LA&C has
lagged behind other parts of the world when it comes to the adoption of mobile
communications, the advantages that accrue from their use, including very high-speed
access to the internet, are not being shared by all. However, it is perfectly possible to
update a mobile network at any point in time with the latest technology, if necessary even
Received 3 April 2017
Revised 3 April 2017
Accepted 7 April 2017
DOI 10.1108/DPRG-04-2017-0015 VOL. 19 NO. 4 2017, pp. 287-301, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2398-5038 DIGITAL POLICY, REGULATION AND GOVERNANCE PAGE 287
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