Association: GSM Technology Grows 79% Yoy

The number of mobile phone subscribers in Latin America using GSM technology grew 79% over the 12-month period ending September 2006, according to the GSM Association.

According to the study, conducted in conjunction with consultancy firm Informa Telecoms & Media, there were nearly 189 million GSM wireless customers in Latin America and the Caribbean at the end of September, 83 million subscribers more than at the same time last year. The region is considered a key market for future growth.

"Before the end of this year, the milestone of 200 million GSM subscriptions will be reached in Latin America and the Caribbean," Informa Telecoms & Media research analyst Eva Benguigui said in the report.

Worldwide there were 500 million more mobile users of all technologies at end-September 2006 compared with a year earlier. The GSM family dominated the marketplace, growing its customer base by 497 million new customers and increasing its global market share to 83%.

Over the same 12 months, CDMA technology also added nearly 50 million customers while other technologies registered a decline.

BNAmericas.com"

Posted to the site on 16th November 2006