It's Chile This Time of Year

Chile is hoping to attract would-be investors from Asia, Europe and the US as it prepares to put the country's fourth mobile operating licence up for sale. With 90% of the population touting a mobile handset, Chile currently boasts the highest level of mobile phone and broadband penetration in Latin America. The market is set to reach saturation by 2010. However, the government seems convinced that this will not deter new investors from entering the market..

The Chilean mobile market is currently dominated by the Telefonica-owned Movistar, which has more than 6 million customers. Entel PCS, is the second largest operator with 5.4 million subscribers and Claro, owned by Mexico's America Movil is in third spot with 2.6 million customers.

The existing mobile companies are already starting to target services at niche markets as they fight for new customers. However, the government remains convinced that there is room for a fourth competitor and that international operators will relish the chance to invest in the Chilean market.