Smaller regional airlines are also beginning to impact domestic air travel. Others are Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, San Antonio, Talcahuano, and Punta Arenas. Foreign and local shipping lines cover the international traffic, whereas the coastal traffic is handled by several local companies, one of which is state-owned. Recognizing that the port facilities are largely inadequate for the growing and changing nature of Chile's trade, the government plans to award service and management concessions for the ports. However, the legislation necessary to implement this proposal is stalled in the Chilean Congress.
Telecommunications are excellent, and Chile has one of the best networks in the hemisphere.
The phone system is completely digital. There are eight international long distance carriers and three cellular telephone networks. Privately owned telephone companies have substantially increased the number of telephones and decreased the wait for phone installation. Several Internet service providers supply the ever growing demand that has positioned Chile as one of the Latin American markets with the fastest growth rate. The Santiago subway has been in operation since 1976.