How many people use cell phones in Chile and what is the market like there. Need to talk to someone from there

Question

I'm trying to find about the cultural differences from the U.S. and Chile and Argentina about cell phone usage. I need to find out what it is like in these two other countries. How important it also is there and where do you think the market is going.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I can speak personally of Chile at least. According to a study published by 3G Americas in the first half of 2006, Chile has the highest level of mobile phone penetration in Latin America with 74 percent, followed by Argentina with 68 percent (see link to story below). That differs somewhat from a report issued by Latin Panel that claims Colombia leads the market for mobile penetration here in Latin America. Whichever report reflects the actual number, it's certain that the telecommunications market in Chile is the most advanced in Latin America. Chile in general is very open to new technology and embraces it eagerly.

As far as the cultural side of it, economics influences most Chilean's (in fact, most Latin American's) use of mobile phone service. It is much cheaper to use a mobile phone here than to use a fixed line service, so you will find that most people here have only a mobile phone and the greatest percentage of them on a prepaid basis.

There are three mobile service providers in Chile - Telefónica (Movistar), Entel PCS, and América Móvil (Claro). In Argentina mobile services are provided by CTI Móvil, Nextel Argentina, Telecom Personal, and Telefónica Comunicaciones Personales Argentina (Movistar).

As far as the market here in Chile, competition is encouraged and it continues to grow and gobble up new techology as soon as it can be introduced. In Argentina, the market suffered a great deal after the 2001 economic collapse in the country, but has recovered well and is very much on it's way to major improvements.

Answer 2

Been to Chile 7 times and believe me, everyone has several cellphones there! It's the only place where I've seen nearly everyone talking on a cellphone on the streets and some times even with two cellphones at the same time. According to Telefonica (company which serves to major Latin America cities) Chile is the country in South America with the biggest ratio of cellphone-man. Blackberries are now the biggest thing in Chile as well as Iphones. Chilenas are crazy about tech phones!