Uruguay is not only a country with a favourable investment climate, a promising macroeconomic performance and a strategic location for international trade. It is also one of 34 countries worldwide to deploy 5G network in its cities.
Learn about the introduction of 5G in Uruguay and the advantages of doing business in the country.
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The introduction of 5G in Uruguay
ANTEL has recently completed the installation of the first commercially available 5G network in Latin America. This makes Uruguay one of the first countries in the world to introduce the new 5G mobile communications standard.
The telecommunications company built the infrastructure as part of a public-private partnership. According to the company, the new network enables the supply of up to one million devices per square kilometre with a transmission speed of one gigabyte per second. Likewise, as claimed by José Otero, President of the non-profit organization “5G Americas”, Uruguay is the third country in the world to start regular 5G operations.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile radio and the direct successor to 4G, which is also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The main features of the new network are higher data rates and shorter latency times.
The aim of 5G is to increase the transmission speed in the network and to reduce the latency times to enable real-time communication between devices. In comparison to the previous LTE standard, 5G allows:
- Up to a 10-fold increase in the data rate from previously a maximum of 1 Gbit/s to 10 Gbit/s (theoretically 20 Gbit/s).
- A reduction in latency from about 10 milliseconds to less than one millisecond.
- An increase in the number of participants per radio cell from 200 to up to one million.
Uruguay is a front-runner in the telecommunications industry
According to the state-owned telecommunications company ANTEL, Uruguay has the highest average internet connection speed in Latin America and the seventh highest in the world.
The country is also far ahead when it comes to the supply of fibre optic cables. Over 60% of the broadband supply consists of fiber optic networks, which are faster compared to the usual copper cables. According to the UN, broadband connections are key to economic growth as they increase productivity and stimulate job generation, promoting major scientific and social developments.
Uruguay is also one of the countries with the highest Internet access in Latin America, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Furthermore, Uruguay is among the 50 countries with the best political conditions to develop information and communication technologies, as stated in the IT Ranking of the World Economic Forum.
What are the benefits of 5G for business?
Higher data rates enable users to stream high-resolution content, watch live broadcasts over the internet without delay, and exchange large amounts of information. Usually, 5G technology is used in the following fields:
1. eMBB – Enhanced Mobile Broadband
The acronym eMBB stands for Enhanced Mobile Broadband. eMBB requires high data transfer rates for applications, such as streaming high-definition videos and augmented or virtual reality. In the consumer market, eeMBB focuses on the development of multimedia and professional applications, mobile work or network computing.
2. mMTC – Massive Machine Type Communications
mMTC stands for Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). It is used when a large number of devices are networked together. In that case, mobile communication must be efficient and offer a wide variety of locations. These devices are often installed in warehouses or production rooms that must be supplied with mobile radio technology. Typical applications are sensor networks, networked machines, portable or autonomous devices, or networked robot technology.
3. uRLLC – Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications
uRLLC is used in time-critical applications that require minimum latency times in the range of one millisecond or less. It is based on robust and fail-safe communication. Typical applications for ultra-reliable, low-latency communications are autonomous driving, automated Industry 4.0 processes, or remote real-time procedures in medical technology.
Take advantage of 5G in Uruguay: expand your business with expert support
Uruguay is one of the first countries in the world to democratize the new 5G mobile radio standard. Furthermore, its dynamic economy and stable political environment position the country as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign executives.
Take advantage of improved business conditions in Uruguay with support from Biz Latin Hub. Our team of multilingual lawyers are equipped to deliver excellence and provide key support to your company. Reach out to our team of experts to start your investment adventure in Uruguay as soon as possible.
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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
