In the age of the digital revolution, access to fast and reliable mobile Internet is an essential condition for the development of economies around the world. South America, which is one of the fastest-growing regions, is also experiencing significant changes in this area. In 2022, the mobile Internet landscape in South America was shaped by a number of internal and external factors. These changes have had a significant impact on the speed and quality of mobile Internet on the continent. 

In this article, we will provide a summary of the most important information and help shed new light on the state of mobile Internet quality in South America. Our analysis provides valuable insights for companies operating in South America, helping them navigate the complex and changing market environment for new technologies.

In our study, we focused on three main indicators to assess the quality and speed of mobile Internet in South America in 2022. The first was the average data download speed. The second indicator was the average data upload speed. The last indicator was the average response time (ping), which measured the time elapsed between sending a request and receiving a response.

Average data download speed: Brazil (36.35 Mbps)

The results of mobile Internet speed measurements in South America in 2022 show a wide variation in data download speed results across the continent. Brazil emerged as the country with the fastest download speed at 36.35 Mbps. Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago were right behind, with download speeds of 31.78 Mbps and 27.66 Mbps, respectively. These countries have invested heavily in mobile network infrastructure and have created an environment conducive to competition among mobile network operators.

At the other end of the spectrum were Venezuela, Bolivia, and Colombia. These countries proved to have the slowest download speeds in South America. Venezuela had the worst result, averaging just 5.98 Mbps, while Bolivia and Colombia reported speeds of 9.39 Mbps and 12.3 Mbps, respectively.

The large differences between the countries at the top and bottom of this list are the result of markedly different socioeconomic and political conditions, as well as geographical challenges. Difficulties related to the deployment of mobile network infrastructure in mountainous, forested, or sparsely populated areas can affect the download speed results. Building and maintaining infrastructure in such areas can be costly, which discourages operators from investing in these regions. 

In addition, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Colombia face political and economic problems that affect investment in various sectors, including telecommunications. Venezuela, in particular, is experiencing a deep economic crisis, as well as a crisis of administrative stability, which is negatively affecting infrastructure development and the quality of Internet services.

Average data upload speed: Trinidad and Tobago (12.03 Mbps)

A similar variation in performance can also be observed in the second category, which is the average data upload speed. Trinidad and Tobago ranks first in terms of upload speed, with a result of 12.03 Mbps. Brazil and Chile follow, with speeds of 11.07 Mbps and 11.10 Mbps, respectively. 

The weakest results in terms of upload speeds were achieved by Venezuela, Argentina, and Paraguay. Venezuela once again emerged as the country with the lowest score, averaging just 3.15 Mbps. Argentina and Paraguay recorded average results of 7.58 Mbps and 7.91 Mbps, respectively. 

Lowest ping value: Trinidad and Tobago (21 ms)

Continuing the study of mobile Internet quality and speed in South America in 2022, it is worth noting the results of average ping value measurements. 

The best results for average ping value were achieved by Trinidad and Tobago and Chile, where the average response time was 21 ms and 27 ms, respectively. 

On the other hand, Venezuela and Colombia scored the lowest in the study regarding the average ping value in South America in 2022. Venezuela’s average ping value was 40 ms, while Colombia’s was 34 ms.