Broadband Development Index for Latin America and the Caribbean: 2010-2015
Metadata & use
| Identifier | https://doi.org/10.60966/ob7aawt1 |
|---|---|
| License | Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivs 3.0 IGO |
| Related Knowledge Product | |
| Citation |
García Zaballos, Antonio, et al. (2015). Broadband Development Index for Latin America and the Caribbean: 2010-2015. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/ob7aawt1 |
| Published date | 2015-11-20 |
| Modified date | 2026-07-15 |
| Tags/Keywords | Broadband · Telecommunications |
| Language |
|
| Temporal coverage | 2010-2015 |
| Country |
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Czechia
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Netherlands
Trinidad & Tobago
Türkiye
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela
|
| Region | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Publisher |
Inter-American Development Bank
|
| Author |
García Zaballos, Antonio
Iglesias Rodriguez, Enrique
Cano Cuadra, Lorena
Inter-American Development Bank
|
| Data collection type | Administrative Data |
| Statistical type | Panel Data |
| Data structure | Structured Data |
| Data notes |
What is broadband penetration in Latin America?The IDBA measures broadband development across 26 IDB member countries (plus reference nations) using 37 indicators. It does not provide a single penetration percentage; instead, it evaluates infrastructure, applications/capacity, regulation, and public policy vision. Between 2010 and 2015, most countries showed gradual improvements, with OECD nations consistently outperforming Latin America. How do countries in Latin America and the Caribbean compare in digital adoption, and what factors contribute to their performance?The dataset tracks adoption through composite indicators rather than raw user counts. Countries like Chile, Brazil, and Mexico scored higher on infrastructure and regulatory pillars, while Central American and Caribbean nations lagged due to weaker investment and policy frameworks. Why do some Latin American countries have much lower broadband penetration?The dataset attributes gaps to: Limited infrastructure investment; Weak regulatory frameworks; Lack of strategic public policy vision. Countries with stronger governance and investment (e.g., Chile) scored higher, while others with fragmented regulation lagged. How do broadband affordability and pricing affect penetration rates in Latin America?The IDBA includes affordability indicators (cost relative to income). Nations with high service costs relative to wages scored lower, reinforcing the digital divide. How does broadband penetration in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina compare?— current rates and drivers?Between 2010–2015: Brazil: Strong infrastructure growth but affordability challenges. Mexico: Regulatory reforms improved competition and access. Argentina: Lagged in infrastructure investment, limiting broadband expansion. Drivers include regulation, affordability, and investment in backbone networks. What are the roles of ISPs and mobile network operators in expanding broadband coverage in Latin America?The dataset highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks. Countries with competitive ISP markets scored higher in the “strategic regulation” pillar. What policy actions can Latin American governments take to increase broadband penetration?The IDBA identifies four pillars for policy action: 1. Infrastructure investment 2. Applications and digital capacity building 3. Strategic regulation 4. Public policy and vision. Countries scoring higher in these areas demonstrated faster broadband adoption. |