Research and Markets: Chile Telecommunications Report Q4 2010

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3eeb24/chile_telecommunic) has announced the addition of the "Chile Telecommunications Report Q4 2010" report to their offering.

Business Monitor International's Chile Telecommunications Report provides industry professionals and strategists, corporate analysts, telecommunication associations, government departments and regulatory bodies with independent forecasts and competitive intelligence on Chile's telecommunications industry.

BMI has introduced ARPU forecasts for the Chilean market this quarter, with data showing a declining trend over the next five years. Chiles mobile operators reported a boost in ARPU in 2008 but the decrease returned in 2009, a trend BMI sees continuing. However, in comparison to other markets in Latin America, the decline will be slight as pressures on voice service revenues are countered by the strong interest in mobile broadband and mobile data services. BMI expects mobile data will continue to grow as a proportion of operators overall revenues, providing some relief to the low cost subscribers entering the market.

Data from mobile operators show an increase in mobile subscribers in the first quarter of 2010, with growth higher than the four previous quarters, seeming to show no real impact from the earthquake in February. The increase in subscriptions may be a reaction to the earthquake, as Chileans sought to contact friends and family in the aftermath of the event. Operators offered free messages and extensions for paying mobile bills in order to ease the burden on those most affected by the earthquake. The response by operators and the regulator, Subtel, highlight the developed nature of Chiles telecoms market with networks brought back on line within days of the event. Incumbent Telefnica de Chile also announced it would be replacing its cabling in the region worst hit by the earthquake with fibre-optic cabling, bringing in the latest technology to the region that will help boost the local economies and businesses in the areas affected.

Chile's telecoms operators have long been very forward looking, offering the latest services to the market and competing effectively. For this reason Chile has remained near the top of BMIs Business Environment Ratings. Its weaknesses are few, with a strong Country and Industry Risk scores. However, with a small population, opportunities are more limited, which, when coupled with difficult topography, hold Chile back from reclaiming its place at the very top of the Ratings.

Nonetheless, Chile continues to be a highly developed telecoms market, and one that is emulated by several of its peers. Data from Subtel indicate that around one third of broadband subscribers are using a mobile connection for their internet requirements. At this rate of growth, mobile broadband may well become the preferred technology in future although fixed operators have rolled out faster broadband speeds in an attempt to maintain their competitiveness. The competition for dominance in the broadband market continues to heat up, as fixed operators face down the strong challenge presented by mobile operators with broadband services.

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