ENTREVISTA: Roberto Kury – MINISTRO DE TELECOMUNICACIONES

Telecommunications Challenges and Innovations in Ecuador

Introduction to the Minister of Telecommunications

• The conversation begins with greetings from Vicente and Osvaldo, introducing Roberto Curi Pesantes, the Minister of Telecommunications.

• The minister expresses his enthusiasm for discussing the challenges and projects related to national communication systems.

Current Challenges in Connectivity

• The minister highlights multiple challenges in improving national connectivity and technological infrastructure.

• He explains that CNT (Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) is leading the introduction of 5G technology in Ecuador, with expectations for other operators to follow soon.

Understanding Mobile Technology Evolution

• Discussion on varying mobile network signals (3G, 4G, 5G), emphasizing that while some areas still rely on older technologies, there is a push towards universal 4G/5G coverage.

• The evolution from 2G to 5G is outlined; each generation has progressively enhanced internet capabilities—from basic navigation to enabling hyperconnectivity and industrial transformation.

Addressing Coverage Gaps

• Concerns are raised about satellite tracking companies using terrestrial networks instead of true satellite technology for vehicle tracking.

• The minister acknowledges these gaps in signal coverage along major transport routes and emphasizes ongoing discussions with cellular companies to improve nationwide coverage.

Solutions for Transport Safety

• A proposal is made regarding mandatory satellite tracking for transportation companies as a solution to enhance safety against theft during transit.

• The minister confirms that satellite technology exists but notes that it ultimately depends on private transport companies' choices regarding their preferred tracking solutions.

Telecommunications Development in Ecuador

Current Challenges and Initiatives

• The need for cellular coverage on major highways has been highlighted by transport unions, prompting discussions with cellular companies to improve connectivity.

• Minister Roberto Curi Pesantes emphasizes the lack of coverage on key routes, such as Quevedo-Santo Domingo, which has seen improvements with new antenna installations by CNT.

• Curi shares his extensive experience in telecommunications across seven countries over 18 years, indicating a strong background in the industry.

Key Areas for Improvement

• Ecuador requires enhanced technological infrastructure and national coverage; the Ministry of Telecommunications is focusing on four main areas:

• Connectivity through fiber optics and cellular networks (4G/5G).

• Satellite connectivity initiatives.

• A significant partnership with Starlink aims to provide nationwide connectivity. This includes projects like installing Starlink bases in Galápagos, enhancing satellite internet capabilities.

Technological Advancements

• The collaboration with Starlink allows Galápagos to connect via satellite rather than undersea cables, improving data download capacity significantly from previous limitations.

• Plans are underway to replicate this satellite connectivity model in rural areas across various regions of Ecuador, including Amazonian zones.

Infrastructure and Education

• There is an emphasis on establishing data centers to support advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics, which require reliable processing capabilities.

• Public education is crucial; the government plans to train citizens on using modern tools effectively. Initial training will start at basic levels through digital points.

Regulatory Framework and Future Prospects

• A regulatory framework is being developed to create clear incentives for investment in telecommunications infrastructure.

• Discussions about integrating Starlink's services into traditional telephony highlight potential collaborations with local operators for broader service offerings beyond just internet access.

This structured overview captures the essence of the discussions surrounding telecommunications development in Ecuador as presented by Minister Roberto Curi Pesantes.

Telecommunications Development and 5G Technology

Investment in Cellular Infrastructure

• The cost of establishing a cellular base station ranges from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on various factors such as land acquisition and equipment.

• CNT operates approximately 2,000 cellular towers, while Movistar has around 4,000. There is a pressing need for significant investment to double this infrastructure.

Digital Transformation Initiatives

• The Ministry of Telecommunications is focused on the digital transformation of the country through partnerships with companies like Google.

• A project with Google involves implementing Google Workspace for Education to enhance educational administration and online access for students.

• Collaboration with Palantir aims to reduce smuggling by profiling importers and exporters through software integration with SENAE.

Health and Internet Accessibility Projects

• The ministry is also working on Healthbird, a new health system aimed at transforming public health services in the country.

• Efforts include providing free internet access points nationwide and training citizens at these digital hubs.

Expansion of Internet Services

• Specific projects are underway with CNT to extend internet services and cellular towers into rural and marginalized urban areas via FOATEL funding.

Insights on 5G Technology Deployment

• CNT has invested approximately $30 million in deploying 420 radio bases across 19 cities for their 5G technology rollout.

• The minister highlights that private investments typically progress faster than state initiatives; however, CNT's early access to necessary frequencies allowed them to lead in 5G deployment.

Characteristics of 5G Technology

• The key differentiator of 5G technology includes significantly higher speeds (over 1 GB per second compared to up to 100 Mbps for 4G).

• Latency improvements are notable; while 4G latency ranges between 30–50 milliseconds, advancements in technology promise lower latencies with the introduction of 5G.

5G Technology: A Catalyst for Change

The Impact of 5G on Connectivity

• 5G technology significantly reduces latency to around 1-2 milliseconds, enabling real-time communication and interaction.

• It is positioned as a catalyst for hyperconnectivity, allowing thousands or even millions of devices to connect simultaneously.

• The transition to 5G will necessitate upgrades in devices, with an estimated 15-20% of the population currently having access to compatible phones.

Addressing Security Concerns

• Discussion on regulating the sale of SIM cards and phone numbers to combat extortion practices prevalent in the country.

• Current regulations require registration of phone line ownership (both prepaid and postpaid), which can help identify callers from unknown numbers.

• There are existing but not fully implemented measures aimed at tracking phone ownership through IMEI codes.

Digital Literacy Challenges

• Inquiry into the prevalence of "technological dinosaurs" or individuals lacking digital skills within the population.

• Emphasis on initiatives like digital points that provide free internet access and training in basic tech skills to combat digital illiteracy.

The Role of Technology in Society

• Highlighting the importance of digital transformation as a state policy; technology should be viewed as a basic service rather than a luxury.

• Implementation of technology improves transparency and efficiency in public services, ultimately enhancing citizen experience and accessibility.

• Belief that technology has transformative potential for society, facilitating services like telemedicine and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for citizens.