A New Guest at the Internet Hub: AHCIET Moves to Montevideo and Creates the LAC Telecommunications Observatory

03/08/2012

A new organization is joining the Internet Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean. This month, the Ibero American Association of Research Centers and Telecommunications Companies (AHCIET), an institution made up by more than 50 Latin American telecommunications operators, started operating from the headquarters of the Internet Hub.

AHCIET has arrived in Montevideo with “the intention of joining forces” and developing regional projects in benefit of the Information Society. Economist John Jung (pictured) –who will represent the organization at the Internet Hub– is responsible for coordinating the various studies that AHCIET has planned for Latin America, including the establishment of a Telecommunications Observatory with indicators that will allow tracking telecommunications growth, penetration, accessibility and investments in the region.

What does setting up office at the Internet Hub mean for AHCIET?

Opening AHCIET’s office at the Internet Hub is very important for the Association. It is very significant both from a symbolic point of view as well as from the point of view of the benefits and opportunities that may arise as a result of internal interactions. It is undoubtedly the most appropriate place to be, as it is one of the most important hubs for Internet organizations in the region. It is an honor to be neighbors with organizations such as the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC), the regional chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC), the Latin American Cooperation of Advanced Networks (CLARA), the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Country Code Top Level Domain Administrators (LACTLD), the Latin American and Caribbean Federation for Internet and Electronic Commerce (eCOM L@C), and the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Exchange Point Operators Association (LAC-IX).

AHCIET is pleased with its new headquarters, which are the result of our intention to have greater presence in the region and expand our interaction with our industry partners and allies. From this new office we will coordinate Information Society studies and monitor and control the sector’s indicators.

What benefits can working together at the Internet Hub bring to AHCIET and other organizations?

Working together with the other stakeholders present at the Internet Hub can not only bring benefits: it is also a source of opportunities. Being here will allow us to work in a coordinated and consistent manner and to be permanently in touch with what’s new in the industry and its relevant stakeholders. We believe that being at the Internet Hub represents an opportunity because our interaction with the other organizations can help detect new ideas and projects, new partners for studies and proposals, and will make it easier to develop synergies. All of this will undoubtedly result in more and better services for our members.

We are the only Telecommunications Operators Association present at the Hub and our members are some of the most relevant stakeholders for all of the other organizations that have their headquarters there, which is why we also hope that these organizations will benefit from our 30 years of experience in the industry.

How does AHCIET view Internet development in Latin America and the Caribbean?

Latin America is still faced with a major challenge as regards the digital divide. On the one hand, we must consider all aspects relating to investments in telecommunications infrastructure and the government support required to create the conditions for such investments, as well as the establishment of clear and reasonable rules will that encourage the deployment of advanced networks. On the other hand, value offerings in terms of content, applications, e-government, and online services are needed to provide value to connectivity in the eyes of all citizens.

Together, all of the sector’s stakeholders must create an ecosystem where we can all make a contribution. There is no reason for Latin America to stay behind. On the contrary, the region must make a significant leap in the coming years.

Latin America is doing things very well, though some countries are doing them better than others. If we remain committed to a model of competency, networks, services, openness, and infrastructure, the divide between our region and more developed countries we will be closing fast.