Internet use in Peru: collective access as the main way of connection Ana María Fernández-Maldonado Faculty of Architecture Delft University of Technology

Contents Introduction The context: the telecommunications sector Internet use in Lima: main features Discussion: –Internet and the government –Internet and the youth in times of crisis –Significance of Internet use Present realities and contradictions

Teledensity evolution Source: OSIPTEL, 2005

Teledensity in Latin America in 2003 Source: ITU, 2004

Share of Telefonica in fixed and mobile telephony in 2005 Fixed telephony Mobile telephony Source: OSIPTEL, 2005

Share of Telefonica in the Internet market Residential market 2003Business market 2002 Source: Apoyo, 2003

Places of connection in Lima in 2004 Source: Apoyo, 2004

Places of connection in Mexican cities in 2004 Source: AMIPCI, 2004

Main place of connection in Lima in 2004 Source: Apoyo, 2004

Lima: socio-economic sectors in 2003 Average monthly household income: Total average : $ 434 Median : $ 257 US$ 3500 US$ 890 US$ 352 US$ 162 Source: Apoyo (2003)

Internet use according to income sectors in 2004 Source: Apoyo, 2004

Growth of Internet use % Penetration Source: Apoyo, 2004

Internet use according to age group in 2004 % Penetration Source: Apoyo, 2004

118 cybercafes Source: Juvenet (2004)

Main features of Internet use in Lima Telecommunications is a privatized sector dominated by one only firm Telefonica’s tariffs policy  a very low level of teledensity The government’s role  low level of participation. High demand for Internet connection  collective access points have proliferated The democratization of Internet use in Lima  especially observed in youth groups.

Internet and the government The diffusion of Internet is not really a matter of government concerns. ‘Implicit agreement’ between the state and the poor functions in Lima since the 1950s. After housing, economic activities and public transportation, the informal sector is now significant in the ICT sector. However, government involvement is needed for going forward  a vision and action plan.

Internet and youth in Lima Lima  high proportion of young people without a job. Results: –Emigration –More education –Retreat into blasé and individualistic attitudes –Crime, social and political violence –Internet use: Young - university or school - students of Andean origin massively opt for connection to the global networks  Internet is providing hope for a better future

Significance of Internet use Youth and people from lower-income sectors  Internet use is effectively improving their lives Internet means much more for the poor than for the affluent groups. It makes communication possible. Users think they appropriate a ‘global lifestyle’, synonymous of progress and modernity. Internet flows are also spreading conventional views and a commercial and superficial culture

Present realities of Internet use in Peru Internet use is promoting contradictory trends towards social exclusion and democratization. In access to telecommunication services In education In social and cultural aspects These new processes and trends are contributing to make the urban scene more contested than ever.