More than a third of the countries in the region have already implemented 5G technology, and another third are in the planning phase for its installation

Last revision date: 09/02/2024

With the increasing use of digital solutions, there is a growing need for greater data transmission capacity. Over the years, mobile connections have evolved, allowing for the use of larger volumes of data and a greater variety of applications.

The fifth generation of mobile telephony, also known as 5G, represents a major advance in terms of speed and technical capacity compared to its predecessors. Firstly, it offers a speed close to 10 Gbps in download, which is up to 100 times faster than the previous 4G technology. In addition, thanks to low latency, less than 1 millisecond, 5G allows the use of real-time solutions. This technology also has the capacity to connect up to 100 times more devices than previous generations, enabling the connectivity of a variety of smart devices ranging from appliances to cars, industrial sensors, and others. This feature facilitates the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial automation, among other disruptive applications.

Mobile technologies evolution

Source: eLAC 2022

5G technology can open up a world of possibilities in various industries, enabling innovative use cases that can accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0. Although edge computing can already be used in 4G environments, its combination with 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) could expand the boundaries in vertical industries. This translates into substantial improvements in productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, representing a step forward in digital transformation.

5G technology uses

Source: eLAC 2022

The deployment of 5G networks began in 2019 by telecommunications companies. In the Latin America and Caribbean region, as of June 2023, 5G services have begun to be commercially offered in twelve countries, while in another twelve countries its deployment is still in the planning stage.

Status of 5G deployment in countries in the region

(In number of countries)

Source: own elaboration with data as of June 2023.

En algunos países que ya tienen implantada la tecnología 5G, se han iniciado proyectos de investigación en centros especializados para diseñar y probar soluciones aplicadas a la industria. En concreto, en la región, hay ocho centros de innovación que estudian las diferentes aplicaciones de 5G. La investigación que se lleva a cabo en estos centros promete impulsar el desarrollo tecnológico de las industrias regionales.

5G innovation centers in the countries of the region

In some countries that have already implemented 5G technology, research projects have been initiated in specialized centers to design and test solutions applied to the industry. Specifically, in the region, there are eight innovation centers studying the different applications of 5G. The research carried out in these centers promises to boost the technological development of regional industries.

Source: own elaboration with data as of June 2023.