An update of fixed-line, mobile/cellular and fixed-broadband Internet, and mobile/cellular broadband internet subscription densities across select Caribbean countries as of 2020.
With the exception of 2019, we at ICT Pulse have been examining the state of development of telecoms in the Caribbean region, in terms of subscription density. Most likely due to the pandemic, sources such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which regularly publishes industry data either found their schedules thwarted or did not release their typical industry reports last year.
This year, the ITU has published telecoms subscription data for 2020, but the results for the Caribbean region are not as robust as they have been in previous years. Typically and on an annual basis, the ITU requests its 193 member territories to submit a broad range of telecoms and ICT data. Our particular focus are the following metrics:
- density of fixed-line telephony subscriptions
- density of mobile/cellular telephony subscriptions
- density of fixed broadband Internet subscriptions
- density of mobile/cellular broadband Internet subscriptions.
Although 29 Caribbean/Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are included on the ITU’s list, as shown in Exhibit 1, for 2020 and for all metrics, the ITU did not publish data for more than half of the countries, which suggests that most countries did not respond to the data requests made.
Results: Fixed-line telephony segment
With regard to fixed-line telephone penetration, the ITU reported data from only seven Caribbean countries. Nevertheless, there continues to be a wide disparity in fixed-line telephone subscription densities in the region, as reflected in Exhibit 2. Among the countries for which data was available, the highest subscriber density was reported in Puerto Rico, at nearly 25 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest fixed-line telephony subscriber density was reported in the Dominican Republic, with less than 11 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Results: Mobile/cellular segment
With respect to mobile/cellular subscription density, less than a third of the sample group (only 8 countries) reported mobile/cellular subscriptions densities per 100 inhabitants, as reflected in Exhibit 3. The highest subscription density was recorded in Suriname, at approximately 153 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, whilst the lowest subscription density was recorded in Cuba, at nearly 59 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Results: Fixed broadband internet segment
Once again, fixed broadband Internet data was available for just about seven of 29 countries included in the Caribbean/CARICOM group. The highest subscription density was recorded in Trinidad and Tobago at nearly 27 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, as shown in Exhibit 4. On the flipside, the lowest subscription density was recorded in the Cuba, with approximately 2 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
Results: Mobile/cellular broadband internet segment
Finally, and for the state of mobile/cellular broadband subscription density in 2020, the ITU published data for only seven of the 29 Caribbean/CARICOM countries previously listed. The highest mobile/cellular broadband subscription density was recorded for Puerto Rico, at 98 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. The lowest subscription density was recorded for Cuba, at just under 25 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
Discussion of exercise
Since 2011, we have sought to track the state of telecoms in the Caribbean region in terms of subscription density, as it can be a useful indicator of changes in consumer behaviour and new developments in local markets. However, in order for data to be presented, it must be generated and/or collected. Unfortunately, Caribbean countries have been poor in collecting data, which inherently requires systems to be put in place in order to do so; yet we are eager to have access to that data to help us better understand our environment and to make more informed decisions.
To that end, it is indeed unfortunate that the telecoms statistics for so few countries is being made publicly available, as the analysis, including the identification of any new or continuing trends, becomes more difficult and even less statistically sound. As we have previously noted, telecoms and ICT data are becoming increasingly important to provide market intelligence, but if this data is not being collected and/or is not being made publicly available, it does not augur well for transparency, and for the improved competitiveness and robustness of our telecoms and ICT markets.
Image credit: Lukas (Pexels)
