By the end of 2007, the Americas region is expected to pass the 350 million connections mark, which represents annual growth of 15%, reveals Wireless Intelligence – the joint venture between Ovum and the GSM Association. The region is amongst the fastest growing regions after the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific. “ Brazil accounts for 33% of regional cellular connections and is set to grow by 10% this year” says Joss Gillet, Senior Analyst at Wireless Intelligence. From the Southern Cone region to the Caribbean region, Millicom, Telefonica, America Movil and Digicel are increasing connections through their GSM services.

 

In 2006, Brazil passed the 100 million connections mark and is expected to add more than 10 million connections by end of 2007. Mexico is nearly half the size of Brazil’s market, with 56.8 million connections in 2006, and is expected to grow by 15% this year to reach approximately 66 million connections.

Within the Americas Northern Region, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua are expected to record a 30% average growth rate this year. “In contrast, most markets in the Southern Cone Region have a higher penetration rate, and annual connections growth will be around 17% in 2007”, says Joss Gillet.

Within the Andean Region, the average penetration rate was around 60% last year and is expected to migrate towards the 70% mark by the end of 2007. The markets in this region represent 22% of total Americas connections and the average annual growth rate is falling from 40% in 2006 to 20% in 2007.

Finally, “the Caribbean Region represents 4% of total Americas connections and cellular connections are expected to grow by 11% in 2007” concludes Joss Gillet.
www.ovum.com