📊 Internet Speed

Latin Americans are struggling to keep up with global Internet standards. Except Chile, that is.

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Web access 🛜

Here’s something only day-one Latinometrics readers will know: Chile has really fast Internet. Like, really fast.

Like, faster than basically anywhere else on Earth, with the exception of some Asian city-states.

Chile has accomplished this incredible feat despite a unique and challenging geography marked by a long coastline bordering the great Andean mountain range. In fact, Chile is far larger than the remaining countries and regions of the global top 5 – Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates – put together, which is doubly impressive.

Chile’s internet speed is faster than yours

Fiber optic has been installed throughout the country, providing reliable Internet access at roughly 200% the global average speed. In January, the Chilean government announced an agreement with Google to install the world’s first transoceanic underwater cable, connecting South America with Oceania and Asia.

The Humboldt cable, as it’s called, will boost internet robustness and stability, as well help with solidifying Chile as a digital hub in Latin America. It will begin construction next year and enter operation by 2027.

Beyond Chile, Latin America has lots of work to do. Much of the region lags the global average internet speed, despite over two-thirds of Latin Americans accessing the web.

Leaders from around the region should prioritize boosting connectivity and growing citizens’ access to good, stable internet if they want to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses to flourish. Whether broadband or through contributing to Starlink’s regional rise, it’s a must.

And don’t tell us your geography makes it too hard. Chile would beg to differ.

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Comment of the Week 🗣️

In response to our service exports chart, Max Epelbaum provides a hopeful outlook for, among other countries, Venezuela as it seeks to take advantage of the services boom.

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