Pleasant, that also Latin America seeks to reduce the digital divide. It is interesting, that the cellular and satellite networks compete in broadband communications.
Being that most of the Latin American/Caribbean countries are not too far off of the Southern coastlines of the US, I would think that the coverage would reach with the right signal repeaters soemwhere in between? Or is this a matter of nationalism and bureaucracy?
I hope the 2014 FIFA World Cup can cause the necessary technological blooming for Latin America and give to the people equal changes to the digital information. I found very interesting the fact that new technologies such as satellite internet help to cover the lack of GSM and land lines infrastructures but does it cost too much for the regular users?
Interesting post, Matteo. What is the average cost of internet connection to households in Brazil or in Latin America in general? You mentioned about companies like Thuraya entering the market and providing satellite internet connectivity. I suspect the cost of satellite connection may be fairly high. Besides the infrastructure development, I think it's also important for government to take measures to reduce the internet cost to users. This is one way of increasing internet penetration. This can be achieved by providing subsidy on internet connections. I think the resultant boom in the economy brought through e-commerce may justify this expenditure.
Edmunds, most of the 3G smart phone has data speed of 3.2 Mbps and above. In such case I don’t know why Thuraya is coming up with modem having speed of 444 Kbps. It ends up in technology outrage only.
Brazil still has a long way to go to reach the goal of expanding its broadband internet access from 27 percent to 70 percent. Also the adoption by the population will depend on the access fees. Brazil is surely a growing economy, but I wonder if a major part of the population can afford the services. Also, priority should be given to the cities that host the 2014 world cup because trying to cover all the country by 2014 may not be realistic.
Generally speaking, several applications and techs for civil usage come from military research; it also important to consider IP protocol and first core of worldwide public network Internet, was born exactly for supporting US Army.
Coming back to your question, mentioned technologies are focusing on public utilization and a key factor is set-up time; in a few hours, a rural zone can be connected and be on-line, very easily. And people there, could start to work.
Well Nemos, you have addressed a really important point. Costs for satellite communications were quite high, also in a recent past. Based on new technologies and architecture to integrate fixed and satellite networks, costs are very similar to cellular SIM and pre-paid subscription are allowed. It is a nice feature for increasing the market more on this new segment.
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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