Access to the internet in parts of Latin America is growing. According to a survey conducted by Pyramid Research for Google, the reasons include more affordable computers and an expanding broadband network.

In 2007, for example, Colombia added 5.4 million Internet users, or about 12% of its population of 45 million — an 80% increase in the number of Colombia’s Internet users that year.

Brazil added 7.4 million Internet users in 2007 (17% growth), Mexico more than 2.2 million (an 11% increase) and Venezuela 1.58 million (38% growth).

Now the study only looked at 11 Latin American countries (the Miami Herald didn’t count Puerto Rico as a country, pero I will). The study doesn’t include countries like Cuba which recently allowed the common resident to buy a computer, but it still remains and luxury most cannot afford and even when it is affordable, internet access is censored.

I would also add that a factor is the development and access to the internet via cell phone technology and even music players. No longer does one have to sit in front of a computer to send email or to update on twitter.

The purpose of the study wasn’t to see how Latin Americans connect within and outside their countries. It wasn’t to see how new access could be used in community organizing and global solidarity. The study was done by huge U.S. companies like AOL so that they could see how they could get Latin American money.

Via / The Latin Americanist, LA Times