Competition and crisis in Latin American telecommunications Dr. Raúl L. Katz Director, Business Strategy Research Columbia Institute for Tele-information Member of Steering Committee Americas Communication Research Network (ACORN) Euro-CPR 2009 Sevilla, Spain March 30, 2009
Contents Long term demand trends Competition and industry structure Impact of the crisis and stimulus plans Implications for European policy makers and industry players 2
The privatizations in Latin America allowed the region to increase the development of telecommunications infrastructure TELEDENSITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ARGENTINA (1985-2007) 25 20 15 Access lines per 100 inhabitants 10 89 02 06 07 85 86 88 87 90 91 01 99 96 95 94 93 92 00 97 98 5 0 Privatization of Entel 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 GDP (U$S) Sources: World Bank; ITU; INDEC; Pyramid Research, analysis by the author 3
In addition to the privatizations, the mobile business enabled the region to attain high penetration of telephony TELEDENSITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CHILE (1994-2005) Access lines per 100 inhabitants 120 100 80 60 40 99 01 00 02 03 04 05 06 07 WIRELINE AND WIRELESS WIRELINE 20 95 96 97 98 0 94 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 GDP PPP (U$S) Sources: World Bank; Subtel; analysis by the author 4
Wireless is about to reach total market penetration, while Internet usage is growing exponentially Country USAGE OF WIRELESS AND INTERNET (January 2009) National penetration of mobile telephony Mobile penetration at the bottom of the pyramid (*) National penetration of internet Usage of Internet in the bottom of the pyramid Argentina 104.9 % 61 % 11.4 % (**) 14% (**) Brasil 79.8 % 42 % 22.2 % 9% Colombia 83.3 % 77 % (***) 22.1 % 18% México 68.5 % 30 % 21.4 % 9% Perú 61.6 % 37 % 35.7 % 28% (*) Subscribers to a wireless line in the socioeconomic segments C3, D1, D2 y E (beginning 2008) (**) The Internet national penetration rate is based on users of an email address while users in the bottom of the pyramid refers to those subscribers that have accessed the Internet at least once in the last month. (***) December 2008 Sources: Dirsi (2007); Merrill Lynch; CNC; CRT; Cofetel; Osiptel 5
The next regional challenge lies in filling up the broadband demand gap TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES DIFFUSION 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 CHILE MEXICO 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 1990 1992 1994 1996 BRASIL 1998 2000 2002 ARGENTINA 2004 2006 2008 50% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2003 2005 2007 Sources: Subtel; Anatel; COFETEL; CNC; ITU; Pyramid Research, analysis by the author Wireline Wireless Broadband Internet 6
Latin America needs to double the number of broadband lines to meet current demand Country Number of Broadband Lines (2007) Estimation of broadband lines based on level of economic development (2007) Demand Gap (2007) Demand Gap (2010) Argentina 2,582,580 3,163,074 580,493 799,235 Brazil 7,493,000 15,427,119 7,934,119 8,885,896 Chile 1,323,226 1,551,633 228,187 346,928 Colombia 1,275,680 3,298,681 2,023,001 2,144,518 Ecuador 198,000 943,523 745,523 819,493 El Salvador 135,200 472,977 337,777 386,638 Mexico 4,679,000 9,498,923 4,819,923 5,639,386 Nicaragua 44,240 347,102 302,862 337,400 Panamá 65,800 262,289 196,489 219,130 Peru 630,000 1,995,612 1,365,612 1,588,180 Venezuela 810,600 2,319,802 1,509,201 1,734,494 Uruguay 132,400 272,304 139,904 157,107 Total 19,369,946 39,553,037 20,183,091 23,058,406 Sources: UBS; IDC/Cisco; World Bank; analysis by the author 7
Wireless broadband will be a key technology to meet this demand Wimax is an economic solution for the last mile for many wireline operators Wimax represents an opportunity to improve the deployment of broadband for wireline operators in order for them to offer triple and quad-play For example, Telmex is utilizing Wimax to complete the development of its broadband both in those countries where it has a legacy network (Mexico) and in those where it does not have a wireline presence (Argentina, Chile, Perú) 3G platforms are also positioning themselves as an alternative broadband platform, which is adequate given the region s low average download speeds In addition, mobile broadband will become a more important Internet access platform with the telephone becoming the dominant access device; two constraints on this trend Lenghthening of handset replacement cycle will delay the universal adoption of 3G enabled devices Even if users purchase a 3G enabled handset, they still need to subscribe to a data program (30% do not) 8
In addition, Latin America has to emphasize technology development in three core economic corridors NORTH NAFTA CORRIDOR Population GDP GDP per capita PPP 33 Million $ 416 Billones $ 19,908 ANDEAN CORRIDOR Population 48 Million MERCOSUR CORRIDOR GDP $ 236 Billones Population 133 Million GDP per capita PPP $ 9,398 GDP GDP per capita PPP $ 1,033 B $ 12,795 Total Latam Total Corridors Percentage of Latam Spain Italy Population GDP PPP GDP per (millions) (billion $) capita PPP($) 558 3,016 8,534 214 1,685 13,231 38% 56% 40 1,362 33,631 58 1,800 30,956 9
While ICT penetration in the corridors is higher than in the rest of the continent, unmet broadband demand is twice the current base TOTAL PENETRATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN LATAM AND CORRIDORS Wireline Wireless Broadband Total Latam (*) 16.5 % 60.0 % 3.3 % BROADBAND DEMAND IN LATAM CORRIDORS Broadband Penetration (lines) Estimated Broadband demand (lines) Andean Corridor Mercosur Corridor NAFTA South Corridor 21.3 % 94.6 % 3.2 % 28.5 % 83.5 % 6.5 % 19.0 % 64.2 % 4.3 % 946,935 3,771,555 8,727,930 12,209,700 2,000,000 (e) 3,649,044 (*) Includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay y Peru Source: Katz (2009) 10
Conclusions regarding long-term demand trends The wireless sector has been the development engine for telecommunications in Latin America, helping telephony achieve in the medium term the much sought-after goal of universal service In addition, wireless is also well placed to help meeting the unmet demand for broadband Looking forward, the region is facing four critical challenges Support the growing needs for Latin American information societies Meet the broadband demand gap Support ICT adoption by SMEs Emphasize technology deployment in the economic corridors to the level of industrialized countries 11
Contents Long term demand trends Competition and industry structure Impact of the crisis and stimulus plans Implications for European policy makers and industry players 12
The communications industry in Latin America has undergone three fundamental restructuring processes PRIVATIZATION DEREGULATION CONSOLIDATION I M P A C T Accelerated infrastructure development Service quality improvement Decreasing teledensity gap Growth of demand for services Industry fragmentation Price reduction Margin erosion Mergers and acquisitions Vertical and horizontal integration Redefinition of the regulatory framework 13
We expect the industry to continue to consolidate driven by the need to return to scale, integrate vertically and tackle convergent trends CONSOLIDATION TRENDS WIRELESS INDUSTRY Horizontal integration driven by the return to scale Consolidation into three players Integration to respond to mobile/fixed substitution WIRELINE INDUSTRY Vertical integration between the local and long distance industry driven by the need to gain direct access to end-user Blurring of boundary between LD and LEC Triple-play Competition (telephony, broadband, pay TV) CABLE TV INDUSTRY Horizontal integration aimed at building scale CARRIERS CARRIER INDUSTRY Acquisition of carriers carriers by wireline players to gain benefits from vertical integration 14
Wireless consolidation has been driven by a return to economies of scale $0.40 ECONOMIES OF SCALE AND MARKET SHARE OF COVERED POPS IN THE LATIN AMERICAN WIRELESS INDUSTRY (2007) $0.35 $0.30 Opex per sub $0.25 $0.20 $0.15 $0.10 $0.05 $0.00 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Market share of covered POPs Sources: Merrill Lynch; analysis by the author 15
Additionally, consolidation results from a need to impose price discipline 60% CONSOLIDATION AND WIRELESS INDUSTRY PROFITABILITY (2008) 50% México Avergae EBITDA 40% 30% 20% Brazil Chile Argentina Venezuela Colombia Perú 10% 0% 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Market share of top two players Sources: Merrill Lynch; analysis by the author 16
In Latin America, the wireless sector is already fairly concentrated WIRELESS SUBSCRIBERS IN LATIN AMERICA (2008) PAIS TELEFONICA AMERICA MOVIL TELECOM ITALIA MOBILE OTROS TOTAL Argentina 14,653,000 (35%) 14,818,000 (35%) 11,941,000 (28%) 937,000 (2%) 42,349,000 Brazil 42,227,000 (30%) 35,668,000 (25%) 35,207,000 (25%) 29,362,000 (20%) 142,464,000 Chile 6,703,000 (44%) 2,787,000 (18%) ----- 5,850,000 (38%) 15,340,000 Colombia 9,702,000 (25%) 25,373,000 (66%) ----- 3,276,000 (9%) 38,351,000 Mexico 14,662,000 (19%) 54,381,000 (72%) ----- 6,656,000 (9%) 75,699,000 Perú 10,010,000 (58%) 6,722,000 (39%) ----- 621,000 (3%) 17,353,000 Venezuela 10,280,000 (38%) ----- ----- 16,751,000 (62%) 27,031,000 Total 108,237,000 (30%) 139,749,000 (39%) 47,178,000 (13%) 63,453,000 (18%) 358,617,000 Sources: Merrill Lynch; informe de operadores; analysis by the author Share > O = 30% C2 > 60% 17
In parallel with horizontal integration, we witness an emerging vertical integration across industry sectors BRAZIL: COMMUNICATIONS MARKET STRUCTURE -Fixed Telephony - - Wireless - -Paid TV- Share Share Embratel 21 % Claro 24% NET Intelig TIM 25% Telemar 20 % Oi 13% WAY TV Telefónica 35 % Vivo 29% TVA Brasil Telecom 24 % Brasil Telecom 3% 100 % of market 94% of market ~75 of market Sources: Operators; analysis by the author 18
Vertical integration is prompted by economies of scope and the search for new market opportunities Economies of scope refer to efficiencies primarily associated with demand-side changes, such as increasing or decreasing the scope of marketing and distribution, of different types of products (advertising synergies, brand power, distribution synergies) In addition, operators undergoing this process are searching to increase their share of communications spend wallet of consumers While bundling is one of the by-products of vertical integration, the benefits to operators are more important in the other areas pointed above 19
According to these trends, the industry structure would result in two (maybe three) scale-driven carriers serving several niche players INDUSTRY STRUCTURE VERTICAL SERVICE PROVIDER APPLICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER Two (maybe three) vertically integrated players Wireline Wireless Broadband Content CONTENT DISTRIBUTION GOOGLE 20
To sum up, the industry structure exhibits high level of horizontal integration and moderate vertical integration Exit and divestment of operators and investors after economic crises Horizontal consolidation of wireless services Consolidation of cable TV industry Increasing vertical integration between telephony and content distribution Regional integration of vertically integrated operators 21
Contents Long term demand trends Competition and industry structure Impact of the crisis and stimulus plans Implications for European policy makers and industry players 22
The world economic crisis is increasingly having an impact on Latin America Mexico Brazil GDP Annual Change Rate 4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% -1.0% -2.0% -3.0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 World Bank (12-08) Consensus 1-09 Consensus 2-09 Consensus 3-09 GDP Annual Change Rate Argentina 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 2007 2008 2009 2010 World Bank (12-08) Consensus 1-09 Consensus 2-09 Consensus 3-09 GDP Annual Change Rate 10.00% 9.00% 8.00% 7.00% 6.00% 5.00% 4.00% 3.00% 2.00% 1.00% 0.00% 2007 2008 2009 2010 World Bank (12-08) Consensus 1-09 Consensus 2-09 Consensus 3-09 23
The macroeconomic deterioration is already impacting consumption COUNTRY Mexico VARIABLES AFFECTING CONSUMPTION Since May 2008 unemployment climbed dramatically, reaching 5.3% in February (highest since April 1996). Unemployment increase was driven primarily by a drop in employment in manufacturing (6.7%) and construction (3.7%) The consumer confidence index has also deteriorated in the past months. In particular, one sub-index (possibility of acquiring a consumer durable good) has been a key driver Consumer credit is also being affected by weak demand and limited offer. Banks are restricting consumer credit to avoid further profit erosion Finally, the negative trends in the US employment market determined that during 2008 funds transfers reduced by 3.6% compared to 2007 Brazil Argentina Unemployment reached 8% in january 2009 In December 2008, the GDP fell by 15% with respect to 2007 Private consumption has undergone a descelleration during 2008 reflecting an erosion in consumer confidence The index of consumer confidence has dropped 28.1% in December 2008 reaching its lowest level since March 2003 24
What type of effect is the crisis expecting to have on telecommunications consumption in the region? The consumption of telecommunications goods and services is determined by two factors: income elasticity and penetration rate Income elasticity determines the amount of reduction or increase in consumer spending as a result of changes household revenues: the higher the elasticity, the higher sensitivity of telecom consumption to income changes Elsticity is a function service penetration: when service adoption is low, it is considered a superfluous consumption by a large portion of adopters and therefore the elasticity to deterioration of income will be high; conversely, if penetration is high, the service is perceived as a necessary good (a utility) and therefore inelastic to household income What does this mean for future consumption of telecommunications services in Latin America? Wireless telephony has reached high penetration levels and, therefore, is perceived as a necessary service, which would mean that it would remain isolated from consumption effects; furthermore, the high proportion of pre-paid subscribers allows users to control spending by reducing usage rather than disconnecting or postponing purchases Wireline would be affected insofar that, with the acceleration of fixed-mobile substitution, disconnection rates of fixed lines could increase Broadband could be affected by the consumption trends, although the situation of unmet demand could still neutralize a negative trend (more below) 25
First effect: the reduction in wireless growth rate is, for the time being, linked to saturation rather than the crisis Brasil 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% -2.00% 26 Feb-04 May-04 Aug-04 Nov-04 Feb-05 May-05 Aug-05 Nov-05 Feb-06 May-06 Aug-06 Nov-06 Feb-07 May-07 Aug-07 Nov-07 Feb-08 May-08 Aug-08 Nov-08 Mexico 14.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 2001 - I 2001 - III 2002 - I 2002 - III 2003 - I 2003 - III 2004 - I 2004 - III 2005 - I 2005 - III 2006 - I 2006 - III 2007 - I 2007 - III 2008 - I 2008 - III 0.00% -2.00% Argentina 4.50% 4.00% 3.50% 3.00% 2.50% 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% Dec-06 Feb-07 Apr-07 Jun-07 Aug-07 Oct-07 Dec-07 Feb-08 Apr-08 Jun-08 Aug-08 Oct-08 Dec-08 Sources: COFETEL; Teleco; CNC; analysis by the author
Second effect: however, an impact has been detected in usage and handset replacement patterns Preliminary indications show an impact on wireless usage driven by a decrease in price elasticity Additionally, an extension of device replacement cycles can be detected America Móvil in México: Q-t-Q change rate in pricing and MOU 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% -5.0% -10.0% 4Q06 1Q07 2Q07 3Q07 4Q07 1Q08 2Q08 3Q08 4Q08 Historically, device replacement cycles in Latin America has ranged from 1.5 to 2 years (consistent with worldwide data) However, in parallel with the economic deterioration, replacement cycles have been extended, reaching 1.5 to 2 years (still faster than PCs which is 3.5 years) This trend has resulted in significant slowdown of handset sales in 4Q08-15.0% -20.0% Price/minute MOU Source: Deutsche Bank Securities 27
Third effect: the broadband trend indicates a deceleration of growth in some countries Mexico: Broadband diffusion Brasil: Broadband Diffusion 2001Q4 2002Q4 2003Q4 2004Q4 2005Q4 2006Q4 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 300.0% 250.0% 200.0% 150.0% 100.0% 50.0% 0.0% 2007Q4 2008Q4 28 Broadband subscribers Tasa de Variacion Mensual M-t-M growth rate Broadband subscribers 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2007Q1 2007Q2 2007Q3 2007Q4 2008Q1 2008Q2 2008Q3 2008Q4 Argentina: Difusión de Banda Ancha 20.0% 16.0% 12.0% 8.0% 4.0% 0.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Abonados de Banda Ancha M-t-M growth rate
Third effect: a number of trends could be subsumed in the broadband situation First sub-effect: under situation of unmet demand (see below), there could be still room for growth under economic crisis Mexico: 4.3% Brazil: 4.1% Argentina: 6.6 % Second effect: Current users in certain market segments, particularly in lower sociodemographic categories, could be undergoing fixed broadband disconnection, replacing occasional internet access with mobile broadband and relying on workplace broadband to download heavy content (effect already seen in Europe) Third effect: Prospective adopters could be postponing purchasing of service consistent with deterioration of consumer confidence
Fourth effect: the US economy is having a spill-over effect in Long Distance usage Mexico: International Long Distance from the US and Canada MIles de Minutos 5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% -10.0% -20.0% 1997-I 1998-II 1999-III 2000-IV 2002-I 2003-II 2004-III 2005-IV 2007-I 2008-II Tasa de Variacion Mensual Source: Cofetel; analysis by the author 30
The macroeconomic climate should also affect the levels of capital investment in the telecommunications industry Key Variables Variables that impact the capex rate Expected return rate Risk associated with the rate of return Macro-economy ICT industry Firm level Secondary Variables oacceleration effect (Roller y Waverman, 2001) odemographic and geographic characteristics oeconomic cycle (Katz, 2003) ogeneric regulatory framework l oindustry regulation ocompetitive intensity otechnological progress oevolution of demand ocost of capital odebt leverage ofirm profitability A reduction of the GDP growth rate of 1% leads to a decline of 0.7% in the investment rate
Data indicates so far a capital investment negative trend CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN LATIN AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY INVESTMENT 1996-2006 (in $ billions) INVESTMENT 2007-8 (in $ billions) 2009 ANNOUNCEMENTS (in $ billions) Telefonica Telecom Italia America Movil Telmex International Portugal Telecom Cable & Wireless Total 24.785 10.547 Telefónica expects total capex this year to be below 7.5bn euros compared to 8.40bn euros last year 12.189 3.176 1.411 10.282 9.283 3.224 7.925 2.914 Reduced 2009 capex from 1,630 million to 1,100 million 6.650 2.511 1.235 1.449 63.28 Sources: Unctad; Dow Jones; Deutsche Bank
In response to the economic crisis, governments have begun to deploy incremental public infrastructure programs with some ICT focus LATIN AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE STIMULUS PROGRAMS COUNTRY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (in US$ billion) ICT FOCUS (in US$ billion) Colombia $ 10.0 $ 0.29 b ($0.16 b in universal telephony, $0.05 b in ICT education, $0.03 b in Broadcasting, $0.03 b in computing education and $0.02 b in e-government) Chile $ 2.5 $ 0.06 b (rural broadband) Mexico $ 6.9 No ICT specific plans Bolivia $ 0.870 ($0.690 to roads) No ICT specific plans Brazil $ 2.5 No ICT specific plans Sources: ECLAC; Colombia Departamento Nacional de Planeamiento; Servicio de Estudios Economicos BBVA
How many jobs could be generated as a result of a telecommunications stimulus plan? NETWORK CONSTRUCTION NETWORK EFFECTS NEXT GENERATION EFFECT The construction of broadband network has moderate direct and indirect employment effects Network externalities of broadband between 10% and 50% penetration levels are substantial Speed improvement in served areas could result in enhanced productivity and economic growth While total industrial output generated by the deployment of broadband is significant, the proportion of imported goods is high, thereby reducing the amount of jobs being created The induced effects of network construction magnify the total impact of network deployment Innovation Core development clusters Jobs can also be created as a result of a net outsourcing and firm relocation in pursuit of labor cost arbitraging HIGH MEDIUM LOW Degree of certainty 34
In the US, the Obama broadband stimulus program will generate 128,000 jobs over four years for construction Sector Effect BILL Investment (all $ numbers in millions) $ 6,390 Employment Creation Multipliers Direct effect Jobs in equipment eq. mfr, construction and telecoms 37,300 Indirect effect Jobs in other sectors 31,000 Induced effect Household spending induced from direct/indirect effects 59,500 Total effect Jobs in all sectors 127,800 Type I Multiplier (Direct + indirect)/direct 1.83 Type II Multiplier (Direct + indirect + induced)/direct 3.42 Electronic eq. 4,242 Construction 26,218 Communications 6,823 Total 37,283 Sector Effect Distribution 9,167 Transportation 1,536 Metal products 1,839 Electronic Eng. 959 Other services 8,841 Other 8,704 Total 31,046 35
With regards to network effects, increasing evidence points to a level of broadband development where network effects are highest IMPACT OF BROADBAND ON EMPLOYMENT OVER DIFFUSION PROCESS INCREASE EMPLOYMENT + - Maximum impact on employment Critical Mass threshold Saturation point DIFFUSION POINT Critical mass threshold EVIDENCE Roller and Waverman (2001) Shiu and Lam (2008) Saturation Lehr et al (2006) Atkinson et al (2009) Katz et al. (2009) - + BROADBAND PENETRATION 36
Latin America is a the point where employment creation effects of broadband is high Growth in employment (2006-7) 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% ARGENTINA 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Growth in Broadband Penetration (2005-6) y = 0.044x + 0.0185 R2 = 0.2278 Growth in employment (2006-7) 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% -2% CHILE 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Growth in Broadband Penetration (2004-5) y = 0.2408x + 0.0011 R2 = 0.1264 Source: Katz (2009) 37
Finally, we are starting to generate evidence in terms of socioeconomic of NGAN + e-business impact on firm productivity + Macroeconomic productivity - Impact on employment - Incremental broadband speeds + + + Enhanced innovation Impact on employment Impact on employment + Application Google home page 10 Mbs worksheet High quality videostreaming 500 Kbps 0.3 sec 150 sec Very low resolution Download speeds 5 Mbps 0.03 sec 16 sec Medium resolution 50 Mbps 0.003 sec 1.6 sec High resolution Increased economic impact Source: SQW (2006) Dial-up DSL DSL 2 DSL 2+ VDSL FTTH 38
In conclusion, the crisis is starting to impact the telecommunications industry but effects are region-specific Because of high penetration levels, the wireless industry will play a key role in the short and medium term Key platform in meeting the broadband challenge Enabled by prepaid broadband plans oriented to hybrid and prepaid customers Capex reduction, prompted by macroeconomic conditions and credit crunch, has anticipated changes in consumption Governments in the region are still reluctant, with few exceptions, to consider telecoms and ICT as a key tool in fighting the economic crisis Employment effects of potential stimulus programs could be important
Contents Long term demand trends Competition and industry structure Impact of the crisis and stimulus plans Implications for European policy makers and industry players 40
Implications for Europe Role of wireless technologies in filling up the broadband coverage gap Long-term demand trends Where should we emphasize broadband and ICT deployment targets: universal coverage or core development areas? Critical need to focus on SME ICT adoption Industry structure Crisis and stimulus program Consolidation into an oligopolistic market structure does not seem to have a significant negative impact on welfare effects Regional integration in Latin America appears to be a viable model for European Implications wireline cross-border for Europe consolidation Wireless should be affected on usage side (MOU trend is also present in Europe) Broadband penetration in Europe might insulate sector from crisis Capex behavior of carriers would be consistent across geographies Broadband stimulus economic effects would be clear regarding infrastructure construction and externalities in low penetration areas Key question is effect of enhanced speeds in high penetration areas
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