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 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Cable & Wireless Panama is a telecommunications company operating in Panama. Its origins trace back to 1852 with the establishment of the English and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company. Over time, this company amalgamated with numerous other telegraph, radio, and telecommunications companies, eventually forming Cable & Wireless Communications. In 1997, Cable & Wireless acquired a 50% share of the Panamanian Instituto Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (INTEL), leading to the formation of Cable & Wireless Panama. The company underwent several ownership changes, most notably its acquisition by Liberty...
Claro Panama is a telecommunications company operating within the Republic of Panama. It is a subsidiary of América Móvil, a Mexican telecommunications group, and is part of the Claro brand, which operates across several Latin American countries. The name 'Claro' translates to 'bright', 'clear', or 'of course' in both Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the company's commitment to clear communication and customer service. Claro Panama was acquired by C&W Panama mid-2022, a network transition is in place as of December 2024 to consolidate operations with C&W.
