ABSTRACT
Despite expectations, 5G deployment in Latin America has progressed slowly, with Chile and Brazil leading early efforts while others need to catch up in achieving 4G coverage. This disparity complicates the identification of a unified regional trend. Researchers view 5G deployment as part of Beijing and Washington’s broader technological and ideological competition. American firms are absent from 5G spectrum auctions in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. Huawei uses strategic market entry methods, while Ericsson and Nokia maintain longstanding regional partnerships. Despite U.S. lobbying efforts against Chinese providers, results have been mixed. Huawei has engaged in public diplomacy through deployment tests and training programs. Governments, aware of international tensions and in some cases considered them in their assessments. Media analysis indicates Huawei has significant coverage over competitors. This chapter outlines the processes, key actors, and conditions influencing 5G tenders in Latin America. It concludes that while the US has limited influence, Chinese firms still need to fully meet expectations of technological leadership, with telecommunication providers notably impacted by global trends like Huawei bans in significant markets.
