Entel CEO Forecasts Mobile Penetration to Reach 100% in 3 Yrs

Mobile penetration in Chile is expected to reach 100% in the next three years, since the service is now accessible to more users, local newspaper Diario El Día quoted Chilean telco Entel CEO Richard Büchi as saying.

Despite the expected growth, Büchi sees mobile telephony complementing fixed line telephony, which offers several advantages including higher speeds for data transmission.

"Fixed telephony is undergoing a process of convergence where data and internet are replacing their peers of voice over copper [services]. However, mobile telephony offers mobility and the possibility to store your own information, and that has helped its penetration," he said in the report.

Commenting on the launching of Claro, the local unit of Mexico's América Móvil and formerly operating as Smartcom, Büchi said, "three players is a good number that allows for a competitive market in terms of service, innovation and prices."

BNAmericas.com"

Posted to the site on 31st August 2006