Ecuador’s telecommunications ministry revealed US$900 million was invested into the sector in 2022, which is expected to be topped this year as progressive reforms continue to reshape the industry.
BNamericas reported, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Society, Vianna Maino, said at an annual performance by sector regulator Arcotel, “I am confident that the number will be much higher this year.”
In her overview, Maino said the telecoms and technology sector benefitted from the reform of the organic law on telecommunications the creation of the digital transformation law and the fintech law.
Investments into mobile networks saw a boost as 4.2 million more mobile connections came online and the number of active subscribers in Ecuador reached 17.5 million.
The sector also saw the cutting of the special consumption tax on mobile phone plans, saving subscribers a combined total of US$70 million, according to telecoms regulator Mintel.
The government also abolished a fee for telecommunication devices and the tax on fibre optic cables was reduced from 15% to 10%. Discounts were also given on spectrum due to new regulations last year.
Two vital projects were the construction of the Aurora and Galapagos Cable System, both are expected to be online this year.