Information Technology Landscape
Peru
Home
National IT Analysis
Domestic IT Market
Telecommunication Infrastructure
National IT Strengths and Weaknesses
Since the privatization of the telecommunications system in 1994, the IT infrastructure in Peru has improved. However, this IT infrastructure is still poor and will most likely continue so for several years, until Peru solves more urgent problems such as improving the quality of life.
Peru had an estimated population of 27,148,000 people as of 2003 [1]. In 2002, 62.7% of the Peruvian population was under the poverty line and 15.6% of the population lived in extreme poverty [2]. How can a government think of funding ICT when a large percentage of the population is starving?
Also, Peru has to deal with an illiteracy rate of 10.11%. How can a government think of funding ICT training when there is such a high illiteracy rate?
Another issue that Peru faces is that technology and development hardly target Peruvian provinces. Walking by the new neighborhoods of Lima feels at times like walking by the suburbs of Washington, DC. There are franchises, phone lines, mobile phones, and broadband Internet access. However, small provinces are still behind in development. There still are some small towns in Peru where people cannot make phone call because there are no phones.
On the other hand, the Peruvian government seems to be concerned for implementing and enlarging the Infranet network. This will allow Peruvians to process documents online and will eventually link the various government sites.
Finally, the Peruvian government needs to be cautious at dealing with both poor ICT infrastructure and economic poverty, simultaneously. Peruvians' quality of life will certainly improve if the country invests and develops the current ICT infrastructure. Perhaps, by not investing in ICT due to economic constraints, the country could be negating the opportunity of a higher quality of life.
Last update: March 2, 2004 by Dario Canal
