This is close to or larger than the 1995 GNP of all Latin American countries except Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Within the Latin American context, national television and telecom companies can seem massive, but in a global context they may become irrelevant. Telmex, which controls seventy percent of Mexico's long distance and cellular markets, has accounted for one third of the Mexican stock market in the past. Nevertheless, as borders open, Telmex will have to grow very quickly to remain competitive. But you Cannot Hide .
Telecom is a critical element in setting agendas, and, sometimes, in maintaining governance.
The Internet will accelerate media freedom throughout Latin America. One could control press and electronic media to some extent, but it is much harder to censure thousands of different actors. Worldwide, Internet hosts went from 4 in 1969 to 727,000 in 1992 to over thirty six million by July 1998. In Mexico hosts increased from 50 in 1994 to 10,257 by August 1998. In conclusion, we can define trends, but it is hard to map all the changes occurring as communications redefines borders in business, national security and political coalition building.