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DigiLAC Indicators: Broadband and Digital Development Data for Latin America and the Caribbean

By Connectivity, Markets and Finance Division (VPS/IFD/CMF)

DigiLAC is a virtual platform developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help close the digital divide in the region.

It provides data and analysis on broadband penetration in Latin America, mapping the current state of connectivity and identifying investment opportunities to expand digital access.

Through its interactive tools, the platform consolidates digital infrastructure statistics and generates digital development indices that measure progress across countries and regions. Users can explore maps, reports, and visual dashboards that highlight digital infrastructure trends and the policy actions required to strengthen broadband networks in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.

By combining data, benchmarking, and policy insights, DigiLAC supports governments, researchers, and development practitioners in designing evidence-based strategies to advance inclusive digital transformation.

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Metadata & use

Identifier https://doi.org/10.60966/iinbh051
License Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivs 3.0 IGO
Related Knowledge Product
Citation

Inter-American Development Bank (2019). DigiLAC Indicators: Broadband and Digital Development Data for Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/iinbh051
Published date 2019-07-16
Modified date 2026-08-26
Tags/Keywords Broadband · Digital Infrastructure · Telecommunications
Language
  1. English
Accrual Periodicity

Annual
Temporal coverage 2012-2021
Country
Argentina
Australia
Latvia
Lithuania
Guyana
Luxembourg
Barbados
Mexico
Estonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Indonesia
Panama
Colombia
Paraguay
Haiti
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Russia
Austria
Belgium
Ireland
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Chile
Costa Rica
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
El Salvador
Finland
Netherlands
Trinidad & Tobago
Belize
Türkiye
Honduras
United Kingdom
United States
Czechia
Uruguay
Israel
Venezuela
Bolivia
France
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Hungary
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Germany
Italy
Greece
Guatemala
Iceland
Bahamas
India
Jamaica
China
Japan
Region Latin America and the Caribbean
Publisher
Inter-American Development Bank
Author
Inter-American Development Bank
Data collection type Administrative Data
Statistical type Panel Data
Data structure Structured Data
Dataset unit of observation

Indicator-Country-Year
Data notes

How does DigiLAC improve workflow efficiency?

The platform improves efficiency for policymakers and analysts by consolidating broadband indicators, infrastructure maps, and digital-divide metrics into a single accessible resource.

What is broadband penetration in Latin America?

According to DigiLAC indicators, broadband penetration in Latin America remains uneven. By 2021, fixed broadband subscriptions averaged 15–20 per 100 inhabitants, while mobile broadband exceeded 80 per 100 inhabitants. Countries like Chile and Uruguay lead with higher fixed broadband adoption, while Central American nations lag behind.

What are the internet broadband adoption rates in Latin American countries?

DigiLAC data shows that Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina have the largest absolute number of broadband users, but penetration rates vary. Chile and Uruguay report penetration above 30 per 100 inhabitants, while Honduras and Nicaragua remain below 10 per 100 inhabitants.

What is the status of urban versus rural broadband access and penetration rates in Latin America?

The dataset highlights a persistent urban–rural divide. Urban households are up to 3 times more likely to have fixed broadband compared to rural households. In rural areas, mobile broadband is often the only option, with coverage gaps in mountainous and Amazonian regions.

Why do some Latin American countries have much lower broadband penetration?

DigiLAC indicators point to infrastructure costs, regulatory barriers, and affordability as key drivers. In low-income countries, the cost of a 100 Mbps plan can exceed 10% of the monthly minimum wage, compared to less than 2% in higher-income countries like Chile.

What is the difference between fixed broadband penetration and mobile broadband penetration in Latin America?

Mobile broadband dominates: by 2021, penetration reached 80–90 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, while fixed broadband remained below 20 per 100 inhabitants in most countries. This reflects reliance on mobile networks for connectivity.

What are the current broadband penetration rates in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, and what factors are driving these trends?

  • Brazil: ~18 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants; strong growth in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).
  • Mexico: ~16 per 100 inhabitants; affordability remains a barrier.
  • Argentina: ~20 per 100 inhabitants; urban concentration limits rural expansion.

What broadband infrastructure technologies are most widely used across Latin America, and how do they vary by country?

DigiLAC data shows fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is expanding rapidly in Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. DSL remains common in Central America, while satellite broadband is critical for remote areas in Peru and the Amazon basin.

What policy actions can Latin American governments take to increase broadband penetration?

The dataset emphasizes the role of public–private partnerships (PPPs), subsidies for low-income households, and regulatory reforms to reduce entry barriers for small ISPs. Successful initiatives include Chile’s “white zones” program and Mexico’s “Internet para Todos.”

What is the projected broadband penetration and the expected impact of 5G rollout in Latin America?

By 2030, DigiLAC projections suggest fixed broadband penetration could reach 30–35 per 100 inhabitants, while 5G mobile broadband will expand coverage to over 90% of the population, reducing the rural–urban gap.

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