The Latin American Telecommunications Alliance (ALT), a new initiative focused on unifying independent telecommunications operators across the region, has been launched. The alliance seeks to facilitate the sharing of experiences and consolidate efforts to influence national and international programs, legislation, and public policy in a logical, evidence-based, and constructive manner.
The primary objectives of ALT include modernizing the approach to connectivity, advocating for local operators, ensuring fair access to spectrum, and promoting investment in infrastructure. ALT aims to shift the focus from basic universal coverage to “meaningful connectivity,” emphasizing the quality and impact of internet access. A key goal is to ensure that local and proximity operators are included in the development of public policy, particularly in projects related to social telecommunications coverage tailored to specific localities.
The alliance will also advocate for policies that provide fair access to radio spectrum, including temporary local use and equitable remuneration mechanisms. ALT intends to reduce the reliance on direct state-provided services by empowering local operators through appropriate regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms.
To foster growth and innovation, ALT will encourage fiscal incentives and subsidies for investments in advanced infrastructure and services within underserved and low-income communities. Furthermore, the alliance will support fair competition across different technologies and business models in government programs, ensuring equitable access to infrastructure, content, technologies, and wholesale services. A critical component of ALT’s activities will be facilitating the exchange of best practices in technical, operational, and commercial solutions among telecommunications operators in the region.
In the realm of regulation, ALT will champion transparent and stable rules for obtaining concessions, permits, allocations, and renewals. The alliance also plans to advocate for stronger anti-piracy measures throughout Latin America. Ensuring equitable rules for public and private infrastructure access, with a focus on removing deployment barriers and enhancing transparency, is another key priority for ALT.
The creation of ALT has received support from CATEL (Argentina) and ATIM (Mexico). The initiative will be coordinated by Mr. José Otero, a prominent figure in the Latin American telecommunications sector.
The first official meeting of ALT members is scheduled for June 26, 2025, during the Convergencia Show in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The event is expected to provide an initial platform for members to begin collaborative efforts.
Photo credit: albertoadan from Pixabay.
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