DSL, operational in real time 24 hours per day, delivers high-speed connections over existing telephone copper wiring. It is appropriate for both high-speed Internet access and voice calls. The technology continues to grow exponentially within the United States and is starting to gather steam in other countries. In general, Latin American countries have little or no competition, making a strong presence in these countries expensive, to say the least. But within several years, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico should be on the road toward privatization, which should lower prices.
Many Asian countries present challenges as well.
Countries still largely dependent on a monopoly and therefore higher prices include Thailand and Singapore, where it may be five or six more years before competition makes a dent. To a somewhat lesser extent, China and Hong Kong also present problems. Japan is the furthest along, and lower international rates have gone into effect in many areas. African countries are moving toward privatization, but progress is slow and could take several years. In South Africa, several regions have started challenging the dominant telecommunications carrier, and competition is imminent.