Google just confirmed the investment of $100 million in Uruguay to install a data center. This will be Google's 14th data center, the second one in Latin America. Six of their data centers are located in the United States, three in Europe, three in Asia and one in Chile.

The government has been in meetings with Google for over 3 years since the installation of this new data center is just the beginning of a project. Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai, and Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou have in touch since they worked together with Apple to launch the application that notifies the population of their possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Why is Google investing Uruguay?

Stability

Uruguay offers macroeconomic and regulatory stability which is key when embarking on long-term projects.

Free Zone 'Science Park' (Parque de las Ciencias)

Locating at the Freezone has numberless benefits such as tax and fee exemptions, tariff exemptions for goods and supplies, exemptions from social security contributions for foreign personnel, free transit of goods and capital, among other benefits Google is taking advantage of.

Talented people & friendly business environment

The workforce in Uruguay is highly-qualified and well-educated... and they are fluent English speakers! Uruguay is serious about being a tech leader and engineers are demonstrating their world-class abilities. Also, the business culture and mindset in Uruguay is alike to the United States' (and Google's) one.

Google & Uruguay Partnership

Google and Uruguay’s public telco ANTEL are two of the partners of the Tannat international submarine data cable. A data center in Uruguay connecting directly to that network would enhance the flow of data coming to and going from the US and increase Google’s capacity and speed for delivering #content to Latin American customers.

Great connection

Uruguay already has the fastest internet in Latin America and is constantly improving its telecommunications.

Nearshore

Uruguay’s full workday overlaps with the US, facilitating real-time collaboration. Similar time zones (+1 hours from EST ; -4 hours from PST) make the country an ideal location. This is essential for international teams to avoid delays, idle hours and communication issues.