Buenos Aires, Argentina – The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape in Latin America is rapidly evolving, with governments across the region busy formulating new regulations and strategies to meet the demands of the digital economy. Recently, Paraguay announced its National Cybersecurity Strategy, aiming to bolster digital security, while Ecuador is accelerating its telecommunications infrastructure expansion, including 5G deployment, through spectrum allocation. These are seen as key trends highlighting both the growth potential of the Latin American ICT market and the increasing importance of digital transformation.

 
Paraguay Announces 2025-2028 National Cybersecurity Strategy

Last week, Paraguay's Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (Mitic) unveiled its 2025-2028 National Cybersecurity Strategy, presenting a medium-to-long-term plan to enhance the safety and resilience of its cyberspace. This strategy focuses on strengthening the nation's response capabilities against a surge in cyber threats and promoting the stable development of the digital economy.

Paraguay has long been criticized for its vulnerability to cyberattacks due to a lack of cybersecurity infrastructure and skilled personnel. The Latin American region, in particular, has become a testing ground for cybercriminals worldwide, exposing it to a variety of cybercrime attempts, with damages steadily increasing. Against this backdrop, Mitic's strategy announcement holds significant implications for national security and the broader economy.

Key strategic objectives are expected to include:

Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: This will likely focus on reinforcing penalties for cybercrimes and revamping laws related to data protection and personal privacy to ensure legal stability in cyberspace.
Enhancing Technical Capabilities: This may involve building security systems to protect critical national infrastructure, investing in the development of threat detection and response technologies, and bolstering the capabilities of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). There's likely to be a strong emphasis on building defense systems leveraging new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Human Resource Development and Awareness Raising: Plans include developing training programs for cybersecurity professionals and conducting public and private sector cybersecurity awareness campaigns to establish a nationwide cyber defense posture. Skilled cybersecurity personnel are an urgent need not just in Paraguay but across Latin America.
Strengthening International Cooperation: Efforts will focus on establishing information-sharing and joint response systems with neighboring countries and international organizations to effectively counter cross-border cyber threats.
Paraguay's new cybersecurity strategy is expected to build the trust essential for digital transformation, attracting foreign investment, and revitalizing the digital economy. However, securing sufficient budget and strengthening public-private cooperation will be crucial for the strategy's successful implementation.

 
Ecuador Accelerates 5G Adoption Through Telecom Spectrum Allocation

In Ecuador, active telecommunications spectrum allocation is laying the groundwork for the introduction of 5G services. The Agency for the Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (ARCOTEL) in Ecuador is moving forward with allocating frequency bands necessary for 5G network construction to telecommunications operators.

While Ecuador's telecom infrastructure has steadily developed, reducing the digital divide and increasing high-speed internet access remain challenges. The government has made various efforts, including expanding telecom service penetration to 98% by 2021, establishing free Wi-Fi zones, and extending fiber optic networks. However, the adoption of next-generation communication technologies like 5G is considered essential for activating the digital economy by providing faster and more stable connections.

Spectrum allocation provides the foundation for telecom operators to invest in new technologies and expand services. The Ecuadorian government anticipates the following effects from this allocation:

Accelerated 5G Service Commercialization: Securing new frequency bands is crucial for telcos to build 5G networks and launch commercial services. This will offer consumers faster speeds and lower latency, enabling innovative mobile service experiences.
Promotion of Telecom Infrastructure Investment: Spectrum allocation is expected to stimulate competition among telcos, leading to increased investment in telecom infrastructure and improved network coverage and quality. Investment in underserved areas, particularly rural and remote regions, could see significant expansion.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Expanding access to high-speed internet can narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas and promote the use of digital services in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance, supporting inclusive growth across society.
Securing Economic Growth Engines: 5G is a key infrastructure driving the development of various new industries, including smart cities, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 5G adoption will create new business opportunities and secure new drivers for economic growth.
The Ecuadorian government plans to ensure transparency and fairness in the spectrum allocation process and will implement strict regulations and monitoring to ensure efficient use of allocated frequencies. Finding an appropriate balance to prevent high frequency costs from becoming a burden on telcos' investment will also be crucial.

 
Other Latin American ICT Regulatory Trends

Beyond Paraguay and Ecuador, various ICT regulatory and policy changes are being observed across several other Latin American countries:

Data Governance and Privacy: Major countries like Brazil and Mexico are strengthening or newly enacting data protection laws modeled after Europe's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). This reflects the growing importance of personal data protection and imposes stricter requirements on companies for data management and security.
Digital Taxes and Platform Regulation: Some countries are reviewing or have already implemented digital taxes on global digital platform companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. This can be interpreted as a move to create a fair competitive environment and protect domestic businesses.
Enhanced Rural Connectivity: Given Latin America's vast landmass and geographical characteristics, improving internet access in rural and remote areas remains a critical challenge. Governments are striving to increase digital inclusion through measures such as establishing universal service funds, utilizing satellite internet, and providing affordable broadband services.
Infrastructure Sharing and Competition Promotion: Policies that mandate or encourage infrastructure sharing are also being pursued to enhance the efficiency of telecom infrastructure investment and foster market competition. This can lower market entry barriers for new operators and offer consumers better services and prices.
In conclusion, the ICT regulatory environment in Latin America is rapidly evolving, with governments across the region striving to transform the challenges of the digital age into opportunities through strengthened cybersecurity, expanded telecom infrastructure, and established data governance. These policy efforts are expected to accelerate digital economic development in Latin America and significantly improve the quality of life for its residents. However, each country's economic situation and political stability will be key variables for the successful implementation of these policies.