The initiative, presented during Convergencia Show 2025, brings together associations, cooperatives, and regional providers to promote inclusive policies, rural connectivity, and equity in access to telecommunications.
In a historic step towards greater integration and representation of the regional telecommunications ecosystem, the Latin American Telecommunications Alliance (ALT+) has been officially launched. This collaborative platform groups together associations, cooperatives, and independent operators of internet, television, fixed, and mobile phone services from throughout Latin America.
The announcement took place during the 2025 edition of Convergencia Show, one of the most significant events in the sector in the region. The ALT+ aims to articulate the interests of traditionally marginalized actors in major technological and regulatory discussions and promote a common agenda based on technological neutrality, universal access, and the defense of fair competitive conditions against large conglomerates.
An Alliance Driven by On-the-Ground Experience
Among the founding members are key figures in the sector:
- Ariel Fernández (CATEL – Argentina)
- Salomón Padilla (ATIM – Mexico)
- Miguel Factor (COLSECOR – Argentina)
- Rocío Villanueva (AMOMVAC – Mexico)
- Javier Tamayo (WISPMX)
- Olinto Santa’Ana (ABRATUAL – Brazil)
- José Otero, who has been appointed as the first executive director of the new alliance.
During the presentation, José Otero highlighted that small operators have been essential in bringing connectivity to rural, peripheral, and marginalized areas, where population density is low and purchasing power limited. “In those regions—where informality prevails—there are operators who understand the local reality, know the true needs of their communities, and make possible what is unfeasible for others,” he emphasized.
Visibility, Integration, and Regional Leadership
The event also served as a platform to express a shared vision: to highlight the work of local operators and gain prominence in the digital transformation models of Latin America. According to Ariel Fernández (CATEL), “ALT+ is a necessary integration tool to claim the space we deserve. Scale is a central factor today, and the synergy among us will make us key players for those who need it most.”
The core of the ALT+ proposal revolves around five strategic pillars:
- Inclusive public policies that address the realities of small providers.
- Defense of technological neutrality so that all solutions can fit within regulatory frameworks.
- Promotion of network deployment in underserved communities.
- Advocacy for fair competition conditions.
- Regional cooperation to share experiences, technology, and best practices.
ALT+ Aiming to Be a Voice in Major Digital Debates
In a region marked by persistent digital gaps, ALT+ aspires to become a key interlocutor in discussions about radio spectrum, infrastructure deployment, digitalization, technological transformation, and universal access. Its message is clear: small operators are essential for achieving a truly connected Latin America.
With this step, the region welcomes a new entity that not only unites technical operators but also social actors with territorial impact, who deeply understand the needs of less connected populations and have not previously had a joint representation platform.
Thus, ALT+ begins its journey as a network of networks that promises to balance the scales in the Latin American digital ecosystem, advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal access as pillars of the region’s technological future.