In this special edition Perspective, Pyramid Research provides a brief update on major regulatory developments that have occurred since the publication of our May 2006 Regulatory Roundup. The following countries are covered in this issue: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Several themes are prevalent across the Latin American regulatory scenario. The most salient one is the issue of convergence across telecommunications and media platforms. Generally speaking, the region’s regulators are keen on following the Chilean example of allowing a rapid concentration of the cable industry in exchange for allowing fixed operators to provide video services. Mexico’s Convergence Agreement was an important step in this direction, Brazil’s Ministry of Communications has created a workgroup with the same goal in mind, and Venezuela’s regulatory bodies are currently studying Cantv’s request to provide triple play services of voice, video, and broadband.
Another theme common to the region is the drafting of number portability rules by the region’s regulators. Mexico’s number portability is an intrinsic part of the country’s Convergence Agreement, while authorities in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru are studying the issue. It seems like number portability for fixed and mobile service will arrive in earnest in Latin America in 2008, although some countries (most notably Chile) will probably see some implementation in 2007.
