Higher Penetration of Smartphones Increases Uptake of Mobile Broadband Services in Latin America, Finds Frost & Sullivan

Higher Penetration of Smartphones Increases Uptake of Mobile Broadband Services in Latin America, Finds Frost & Sullivan PR Newswire SAO PAULO, Nov. 27, 2012 - Handset technology transition from 2G to 3G increases the number of 3G handsets, boosting adoption of mobile broadband SAO PAULO, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The increasing coverage of 3G, 3.5G, and 4G networks and greater penetration of low-cost smart devices has significantly increased the revenue generation opportunities of mobile broadband service providers in Latin America. Mobile broadband is emerging as a likely substitute for fixed broadband in metropolitan areas, both in the residential and corporate segments. By the end of 2011, handsets already accounted for 80.5 percent of all mobile broadband connections. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.wireless.frost.com), Latin American Mobile Broadband Services Markets finds that the market earned revenues of $6.74 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $34.41 billion in 2017, driven by increasing demand for mobility, penetration of smart devices, and convergent services and bundles. "Consumer behavior has changed in recent years, resulting in higher demand for mobile Internet to access social network applications, instant messaging, mobile voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and many other value-added services and applications," said Frost & Sullivan Telecommunications Team Leader, Renato Pasquini.