The document discusses the need for an alternative IP backbone network in Latin America to address issues like low broadband penetration and accessibility. It notes that Mexico in particular has room for improvement in broadband penetration, prices, and quality according to OECD data. Only 62% of Mexican homes have access to a competitive fixed network. The key policy objective is to provide widespread, high-quality broadband access to stimulate economic and social growth. Strategic choices around technology, funding, and regulatory models are discussed for developing such a backbone network. The panel discussion focuses on promoting fair competition and avoiding past oversights that led to uneven network development and market inefficiencies in the region.

1. 1 Bandwidth for All Judith Mariscal Acorn Redecom Conference 09 Mexico City, September 5th

2. Panel Discussion What is the need for and viability of building an alternate IP backbone network?

3. 3 ICT development Voice services are now more widely available, yet Internet penetration… Source: ITU (2009) Source: ITU (2009)

4. Low broadband penetration Latin America still lags behind other regions in broadband penetration (2007) Source: Multilateral Investment Fund

6. Impact and efficiency of public and private investments.

8. Mexico: Broadband Prices Accessability. Mexico: 59.52 USD PPP Source: OECD Broadband Portal

9. Mexico: Broadband Quality Source: OECD Broadband Portal Note: Advertised speeds are typically the theoretical maximum for the employed technologies. Users have lower speeds.

10. 9 Infrastructure Deficit 62% of homes in Mexico has access to one competitive network (fixed) Mexico: Fixed networks Source: The Competitive Intelligence Unit

11. Key policy objective is to provide widespread and high quality access to broadband: Improving connectivity, increasing competition, stimulating innovation / growth and increasing social benefit. Policy Objective

12. Strategic Choices Technology: backbone, backhaul, last mile. Funding: Public (Australian case); Public-Private Mix; For Profit. Regulatory Models: Pure infrastructure provider (carrier of carriers) establishes and leases out the backbone, or Infrastructure and Service Provider. Regulatory Policy: Ex-ante regulation (minimal): non-discriminatory clause, wholesale network access.

14. And what institutional conditions are necessary to avoid falling into the same oversights that have caused uneven network development and market inefficiencies in the region?