Regional Telecommunications Congress analyses regulatory challenges and changes in Latin America

The second Regional Telecommunications Congress (CRT14), to be held from August 18 through 21 in Panama City, will be the meeting place for the main actors of the telecommunications industry to share experiences, best practices regarding public policies, discuss the regional regulatory challenges, and reach the necessary consensus that allows for an increase in investment, implementation of networks, coverage and quality of services, and connectivity to benefit the inhabitants of Latin America. 

The CRT14 is organized by the Asociación Iberoamericana de Centros de Investigación y Empresas de Telecomunicaciones (Ahciet), (Ibero-American Association of Research Centers and Telecommunications Enterprises) the asociación de operadores móviles GSMA Latin America (GSMA Latin America Association of Mobile Operators), the Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos de Panamá (ASEP) (National Authority of Panama´s Public Services) and CAF, Development Bank of Latin America. 

The CRT2014 will also include the participation of collaborating organizations such as the Unión Internacional de Telecomunicaciones (UIT)(International Telecommunications Union), Latin American and Caribbean IP address Regional Registry (Lacnic), Internet Society (Isoc), the Foro Latinoamericano de Entes Reguladores (Regulatel) (Latin American Forum of Regulatory Entities), and the Secretaría General Iberoamericana (Segib)(Ibero-American General Secretariat).

Authorities, regulatory entities, international organizations, enterprises, academics, and specialized public opinion will discuss the new paradigms of telecommunications and their impact on public policies, regulations, infrastructure, investment, and profit margins of telecommunications enterprises, the benefit for consumers, and the reduction of the digital gap.  

Latin America represents 10 percent of the global mobile market by income, and is the second region with the fastest growth in the world. The total of mobile connections reaches 631.8 million, and it is estimated that in 2017 there will be 500 million mobile wide band connections. The telecommunications industry represents 4 percent of the region´s GDP. 

According to research carried out by Ahciet and Convergencia Research in 2013 in 11 countries of Latin America, to reduce the digital gap in 2020 the region requires to invest USD 44,372 million annually, a total of USD 355,825 of accumulated investment to 2020.  

In its study "Expansión de infraestructura regional para la interconexión del tráfico de Internet en América Latina" (Expansion of Regional Infrastructure for the Interconnection of Internet Traffic in Latin America), CAF recommends the implementation of a regional IXP network that could lead to a reduction of 38 percent of the current traffic costs.