Created in 1974, the State-owned National Telecommunications Administration (ANTEL) continues to control most matters pertaining to Uruguay's Telecommunications Sector. URSEC, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Agency created in 2001, has not reduced ANTEL's influence. A consortium led by Motorola/BellSouth began offering cellular services in 1990. ANTEL created a cellular subsidiary, ANCEL, in 1994. México's América Móvil aggressive market entry in early 2005 caused a rapid drop in prices and a boom in cellular usage. From March 2005 to March 2006, the cellular market grew 95%. Almost one of every two people in Uruguay (population 3.2 million) now owns a cellular phone, a 43% penetration rate. EDGE and GPRS were introduced in late 2004. 3G (UMTS/WCDMA) trial services have been going on since mid-2005.

For the full report, please contact Robert Gorter, Sector Specialist in Uruguay.