Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled plans to establish a new AWS Region in Chile, set to be operational by the end of 2026. This AWS South America (Chile) Region will include three Availability Zones at its launch, significantly enhancing AWS infrastructure and services for customers throughout the country. The addition of this Region complements the existing AWS South America (São Paulo) and Mexico (Central) Regions, marking AWS’s third presence in Latin America. Each Availability Zone will be strategically separated to ensure low-latency connectivity and minimize the risks related to a single point of failure.
This new AWS Region is expected to bring advanced cloud capabilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), closer to businesses in Chile. The infrastructure will facilitate high-speed, low-latency network connections, which help support critical applications needing synchronous data replication and compliance with data residency regulations.
Since establishing its office in Santiago in 2017, AWS has progressively bolstered its investments in Chilean infrastructure. Notable developments include the Amazon CloudFront edge location launched in 2019, which enhanced global content delivery capabilities, as well as an AWS Ground Station antenna in Punta Arenas activated in 2021, providing satellite communication services. The introduction of AWS Local Zones in Santiago has reduced latency for users, further supporting local enterprise applications.
Over the years, AWS has actively engaged in upskilling the workforce in Chile through various educational initiatives. Through programs like AWS Academy, AWS Educate, and AWS Skill Builder, AWS has trained over two million individuals in Latin America, with more than 100,000 of those being from Chile alone.
Noteworthy AWS customers in Chile include the Digital Government Secretariat (SGD), which relies on AWS for operating important digital platforms that enhance state administration and service delivery. Transbank, the largest payment solutions provider in Chile, has also leveraged AWS to streamline product development and enhance operational efficiencies, with leadership stressing the importance of the new region for improving customer services.
AWS also prioritizes sustainability in Chile, collaborating with local farmers and tech companies to implement water conservation strategies in the Maipo Basin. These efforts aim to contribute to AWS’s goal of being water positive by 2030 through sustainable irrigation techniques.
The AWS community in Chile thrives with numerous initiatives, including multiple user groups and community events, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for AWS users.
While the establishment of this new AWS Region signifies notable progress for cloud technology in Chile, it is anticipated to accelerate innovation across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and logistics, thus fostering a brighter digital future for the region.