A Model of Wireless Broadband Diffusion in Latin America

Telematics and Informatics, Vol. 26, pp. 259-269, 2009

TPRC 2007

12 Pages Posted: 2 Mar 2012

See all articles by Martha Garcia-Murillo

Martha Garcia-Murillo

Syracuse University - School of Information Studies

Juan Rendon Schneir

Universitat Pompeu Fabra; Huawei ; Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd

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

Garcia-Murillo, Martha A. and Rendon Schneir, Juan and Rendon Schneir, Juan and Rendon Schneir, Juan, A Model of Wireless Broadband Diffusion in Latin America (December 1, 2009). Telematics and Informatics, Vol. 26, pp. 259-269, 2009 , TPRC 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2014108

Martha A. Garcia-Murillo (Contact Author)

Syracuse University - School of Information Studies ( email )

220 Hinds Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
United States
(315) 443-1829 (Phone)
(315) 443-5806 (Fax)

Juan Rendon Schneir

Huawei ( email )

Shenzhen, Guangdong
China

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd ( email )

Shenzhen, Guangdong
China

Universitat Pompeu Fabra ( email )

Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27
Barcelona, E-08005
Spain

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