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. Legislation authorizing port concessions was passed by the Chilean Congress in December 1997.
Telecommunications are excellent, and Chile has one of the best networks in the hemisphere.
Cable, fax, telephone and Internet service rival those found any where in the world. The phone system is completely digital. There are eight international long distance carriers and three cellular telephone networks. Several Internet service providers supply the ever growing demand that has positioned Chile as one of the Latin American markets with the fastest Internet growth rate. The Santiago subway has been in operation since 1976.