Panama, situated in Central America, has a unique elongated geography which stretches 80 km at its narrowest point, dividing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This makes it a significant transit nation, evident from the world-renowned Panama Canal. The country's population of approximately 4.3 million is predominantly urban, with about half living in Panama City, the capital. In terms of telecommunications, Panama boasts a well-developed infrastructure, with a high mobile phone penetration rate and growing internet usage. The country's unique geography has necessitated distinctive solutions like the expansion of the Panama Canal, which includes locks and a third lane to accommodate larger ships. In the energy sector, Panama's electricity is primarily generated through hydroelectric power (approximately 64%), but there is a growing interest in harnessing solar and wind energy. While Panama's technology sector is not as mature, there is a clear trend towards digitalisation and the use of new technologies in both public and private sectors.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Cable & Wireless Panama is a telecommunications company with operations in Panama. The company was formed when Cable & Wireless plc demerged in 2010, creating two distinct entities. Cable & Wireless Panama is currently owned by Liberty Latin America, a telecommunications company based in Boulder, Colorado. This acquisition occurred following the split of Liberty Latin America from Liberty Global in 2018. Cable & Wireless Panama's history can be traced back to 1852, with the establishment of the English and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company. Over time, this company amalgamated with numerous...
Claro Panama is a telecommunications company operating within the Republic of Panama. Founded as part of América Móvil, a Mexican telecommunications group, Claro Panama is one of the many subsidiaries under the Claro brand, which is active in several Latin American countries. The term 'Claro' translates to 'bright', 'clear', or 'of course' in both Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the company's commitment to clear communication and customer service. The ownership of Claro Panama lies with América Móvil, positioning it within the global telecommunications industry.
Digicel Panama is a subsidiary of Digicel Group, a telecommunications service provider with a presence in 25 markets worldwide. The parent company, Digicel Group, was founded in 2001 by Irish entrepreneur Denis O'Brien and launched its operations in Jamaica. Digicel Group began its expansion into the Central American mainland between 2006 and 2008. While the specific launch date of Digicel Panama is not explicitly stated, it is within this timeframe that the company likely began its operations in Panama.
The ownership of Digicel Panama is held by Digicel Group, under the leadership of Denis...
Tigo Panama is a subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular SA, a Luxembourg-based telecommunications services provider. Millicom was established on December 14, 1990, and operates under the Tigo brand in several Latin American markets, including Panama. The primary shareholder of Millicom is Xavier Niel, a French billionaire who owns 27.13% of the company.
In 2018, Millicom expanded its presence in Panama by acquiring Cable Onda. The company continued to grow its Latin American footprint in 2019 by acquiring subsidiaries of Telefónica in Central America, including Panama. Millicom...