Georgetown Americas Institute

Since the turn of the 21st century, connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has increased significantly. The number of people in the region with mobile internet access almost doubled between2014 and 2021, due in large part to the pandemic. Despite this progress, around 200 million people still lack access to mobile internet. Both private and public sector actors face obstacles in expanding connectivity, including the fact that many of the unconnected live in remote areas with complex terrain, which makes network deployment challenging.

However, behind these overall gains lie significant inequalities in both accessibility and the quality of mobile and fixed internet access. The regional average for households with a fixed internet connection is67%, but national averages range from 31% in Guatemala to 77% in Brazil. Expanding access to digital technologies in LAC could help address several structural challenges, including low productivity growth, labor market informality, and income inequality. Improved digital access can also enhance social and financial inclusion, as well as outcomes in education and health.

The Georgetown Americas Institute was pleased to convene its first workshop on rural connectivity and educational attainment in Latin America to examine opportunities, challenges and policies that would bridge the divide within and between countries.