Coronavirus and ICT: The latest developments in LatAm

In the coronavirus crisis, logistics and delivery apps, as well as streaming and telework-supporting services have received a boost across Latin America.

Services like Microsoft Teams, Webex and Zoom are making their licenses available, while Rappi and iFood created funds to support restaurants and delivery drivers.

As telework, online study and entertainment lead to increased internet traffic, operators are focusing on capacity and keeping up with demand.

And as usage of some apps increases too, mobile marketing tools become more important to engage and retain users.

Considering such developments, BNamericas presents a list of the most recent features and news about the effects the crisis has on the ICT sector and policies.

As Latin America turns to teleworking, tech firms see profits and challenges

Companies with large operations such as Vale and Codelco are switching to remote work to maintain social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. What does that mean for the IT equipment and network providers?

Brazil ICT industry wants payment extensions, import facilities to face COVID-19 crisis

Such requests were made during the first meeting of a crisis committee set up by the ministry of science, technology, innovation and communications, a senior official told BNamericas.

Spotlight: How delivery, logistics apps adapt to the health crisis

Logistics firms face especially great challenges as they distribute health and other supplies, while many food delivery platforms across Latin America set up funds to help collaborators.

Coronavirus brings 'golden opportunity' for digital financial services

Traditional and digital banks in Latin America will likely never again have this kind of opportunity to make headway into mobile banking services, says Lindsay Lehr from Americas Market Intelligence.

Crisis brings pros and cons for mobile marketing companies

In a study carried out at the beginning of March – when the coronavirus was hitting many countries – Applift noticed a change in mobile ad investment patterns.

Laptop leasing skyrockets as more work from home

In one week, equipment outsourcing firm Simpress leased around 4,000 laptops to over 60 companies, which represents a normal month's volume. In the first few days of the week alone, demand soared 500%.

Spectrum, coronavirus crisis to impact 5G LatAm launch

Ericsson's president for Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, Elie Hanna, told BNamericas that 5G will “definitely come to Latin America in 2020.”

LatAm telecom projects now being halted as pandemic takes hold

Because the scenario has been changing radically day by day, the only doubt that remains is how big the revision of the companies' investment plans will be.

Brazil govt tells telcos to up broadband capacity during crisis

The telecom regulator also recommended telcos reinforce the capacity of networks to avoid bottlenecks and congestion, but most had already done so.

Coronavirus: Telcos scramble to beef up networks as people stay home

With more people isolating themselves at home due to the coronavirus crisis, telecom operators are setting up crisis committees, reinforcing their networks and systems and increasing bandwidth to cope the surge in data traffic.

Brazil sees internet traffic rise, but network is ‘resilient’

The increase in internet usage has not yet caused major problems in systems, the infrastructure manager of the Brazilian internet exchange network told BNamericas.

Coronavirus and bitcoin: How the financial woes affect cryptocurrencies

The financial market blow affected also cryptocurrencies, although some traders say the contagion was lighter compared to other assets.

What Brazil declaring telecoms 'essential public service' means

A decree, issued in light of the coronavirus crisis, puts technicians and specialists in telecommunications on a par with doctors and healthcare workers.

Mexico steps up pandemic crisis connectivity efforts

Although the communications and transport ministry (SCT) stopped being the telecommunications regulator in 2013, when watchdog IFT was created, it still oversees the nation’s infrastructure.

Most Brazilians not receiving tech support for remote work 

According to Avast, 58% of company employees say they do not receive the technological support or knowledge they need from their employer when they work at home or in a public place.

E-commerce watch: MercadoLibre’s Covid-19 actions, Amazon to boost pay

Major e-commerce players are investing to protect buyers and workers as the coronavirus crisis triggers extra demand.

FX, coronavirus might rain on Intel’s Brazilian parade

The company has ruled out, for now, the risk of equipment shortages due to the coronavirus crisis, country manager Gissele Ruiz Lanza told BNamericas and other media outlets in São Paulo.

How does Costa Rica's main utility help businesses in the crisis?

Among other measures, ICE will allow businesses to pay half of their electricity bills for March, April and May in installments from July to December. The company, which also offers telecom services, is granting extra data and payment benefits to end-users.

Bolivia turns to satellites in COVID-19 fight

The country's space agency will provide satellite connectivity to hundreds of disabled telehealth centers in rural areas. 

Colombia calls on private sector for remote solutions, cancels 5G pilots

The ICT ministry wants entrepreneurs and companies to present solutions focused on health/telemedicine and work-from-home, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led the government to cancel the launch of its 5G pilots program.