A Model of Wireless Broadband Diffusion in Latin America
Telematics and Informatics, Vol. 26, pp. 259-269, 2009
12 Pages Posted: 2 Mar 2012
Date Written: December 1, 2009
Abstract
Countries in Latin America have lagged behind much of the world in telephone lines, but they have made up this gap through cellular networks. The limited wired infrastructure means that broadband access will more likely be achieved through wireless technology. In this paper, we argue that Latin America will experience a patchwork pattern of adoption where segments of society will have state of the art broadband access while many segments will be left behind without connectivity. We test this hypothesis through a simulation developed using iThink and show how 3G cellular and WiFi access could evolve in Latin America. Data cellular networks will have a slower take-up rate because of the high costs of the handset (as well as access fees); while WiFi, although imperfect will experience faster growth. The patchwork adoption framework argues that socioeconomic indicators affect the way technologies are diffused. We present data on these indicators for four countries: Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
Keywords: Patchwork adoption, WiFi, 3G, Latin America, Simulation
JEL Classification: L86, L96, 010, 014, 054
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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