Chilean Mobile Phone Penetration Reaches 74%

Chile shows the highest level of mobile phone penetration in Latin America and usage is expected to expand to 80% by the end of the year, according to GSM advocacy organization 3G Americas.

Chilean users predominantly choose prepaid service, which accounts for 82% of overall service. Movistar continues to lead with 45% of the market share. However Entel PCS, which reported a 23% boost in subscribers during the second quarter, now holds 38% of the market. América Móvil's recently renamed Claro, formerly Smartcom, accounts for 17%.

Elsewhere in the region, Brazil holds the highest number of mobile users at 95 million, representing slightly more than half the market.

In every country, prepaid service accounted for the vast majority of cell phone usage, ranging from 76% to 93%, the extremes represented by Colombia and Venezuela, respectively.

BNAmericas.com"

Posted to the site on 10th August 2006