August 2, 2013

EXCLUSIVE Technology Index: Uruguay takes the lead
Cuba ranked better than many Central American countries in internet and PC penetration

Uruguay returned to the top of the Latin Technology Index this year, replacing Panama as the most technologically connected country in Latin America. Uruguay leads the region in fixed line telephone and broadband connectivity, and ranks second for wireless telephone and personal computer usage, Latin Business Chronicle reports.

DirecTV subscriber growth in Latin America slows down
Cancellation rates soared 3.1 percent compared with 1.8 percent a year earlier 

Satellite TV provider DirecTV missed earnings estimates and added fewer subscribers than expected in Latin America, raising concerns the company's biggest growth engine had slowed."It is increasingly Latin America we need to worry about. Growth in the subscriber base is unmistakably slowing," said Moffett Research analyst Craig Moffett, Reuters reports.

Chile stalls $1.4 billion Endesa plant 
Latest blow against mega-projects in the country

A Chilean court has annulled the construction permit for the $1.4 billion Punta Alcalde thermoelectric plant. The court said Thursday that the 740-megawatt plant planned by the European company Endesa for the north of Chile endangers the rights of those nearby "to live in an environment free from contamination." A Chilean ministerial group had lifted a suspension of the project in December after an environmental commission blocked construction over potential air and water pollution, ABC News reports.

Televisa to acquire Mexico's Cablecom in $745 million deal
Transaction is part of a growth strategy as more Mexicans sign up for paid TV services

Grupo Televisa agreed to a $745 million transaction that would give it control of Mexico’s Cablecom, strengthening its grip on the growing pay-TV market. With the move, Televisa would be adding about 840,000 pay-TV customers in Mexico, on top of its current base of 7.9 million cable and satellite users, the most in the country, Businessweek reports.

Venezuelan crude oil exports to U.S. hit lowest level in a decade
But shipments of derivatives grew 15 percent compared to May last year

Venezuelan oil exports to the United States reached in May their lowest level in 10 years, totaling some 720,000 barrels per day. The figure shows a 16 percent drop compared to May 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy said. The bulk of Venezuela's exports continue to be crude oil, representing 93 percent of shipping, El Universal reports.

MOREOVER

Telefónica launches Firefox OS phones in Colombia and Venezuela Engadget

Gazprom and Total sign $130 million deal with Bolivia's YPFB Reuters

Macquarie fund to invest in Mexico energy project Global Post

Mexico's IPC jumps most in 20 months Bloomberg

Peru and Sri Lanka agree to boost trade Andina