Brazilian company Ascenty, one of the largest data center developers in Latin America, has advocated for expanding international submarine connections to Chile to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub. Marcos Siqueira, the firm's vice president of operations, asserted that the arrival of more transoceanic cables is essential for the country's competitiveness.
“The more connectivity Chile has, the more competitive it will be compared to other countries in becoming a major digital infrastructure hub,” Siqueira noted. The executive emphasized that the country requires more than just the Humboldt project; it needs multiple connection alternatives, including direct routes to China, which would even allow Brazil to be connected via Chilean territory.
Investments and Expansion Plans
Ascenty, a joint venture between U.S.-based Digital Realty and Brookfield Infrastructure, currently operates three data centers in the Quilicura district. The company plans to invest nearly $50 million in Chile this year to expand its modular facilities, part of a broader regional plan involving $1 billion in digital infrastructure.
A decision regarding the construction of a fourth data center in Chile is expected by the end of 2026. According to Siqueira, the company has land available and access to renewable energy—key factors for attracting clients such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, all of whom are partners of the firm.
The executive dismissed the notion that red tape, or “permisología,” is an obstacle to their operations. “We have never had a problem obtaining a permit, because we have always shared our ideas with the communities and municipalities,” he stated. Ascenty also avoided the criticism regarding water consumption that has affected other industry players, assuring that its facilities do not require water for their cooling systems.
Following a period of slower investment in Latin America due to cloud providers focusing heavily on projects in the United States, Siqueira sees a resurgence in regional market activity. The company’s strategy aims to position Chile as the primary entry point for data flows coming from Asia, effectively reconfiguring the continent’s digital logistics.