According to this Knowledge@Wharton article workers and professionals in Latin America are finally overcoming the connectivity gap that had always kept them behind.

The article cites an IDC study showing that 64% of entrepreneurs and independent professionals who use computers in the region are either “hyper-connected” or “more and more connected to the Internet” when they do their jobs. This is higher than in Asia/Pacific (59%), Europe (50%) and the United States (44%).

The old “reasons” for this lag are starting to vanish, these are:

Price barrier

Until recently, Internet service providers were charging an unusually high price for Internet, mobile and other digital services.

Although not totally over (an Iphone 3G with an 18 month contract costs over U$ 600 in Argentina), services are now getting more affordable in the region.

Lack of training

A generalised lack of confidence on technology and poor availability of devices and services meant that the “over 40 year old” generation haven’t been able to grasp computer use.

Language

Over 90% of the information available on the Internet is in English, content in Spanish  and other languages however is growing rapidly.

You can find the whole article here:

LATIN AMERICA: Workers Overcome the Connectivity Gap [IBL]