Having been in Brazil for a week or so, I can see why open source is so huge here.
Brazil has a protectionist mindset. Exporting stuff to Brazil is complicated at best and sometimes nearly impossible. (For example, it took several people weeks to do all of the paperwork just for a few pieces of networking hardware to hang up on cable strand). Up until like 20 years ago, it was even worse getting stuff in, from what I've heard. Taxes for inbound equipment are insanely high, and computer stuff here is extremely expensive, so a high priority is set on reusing gear, particularly rather than bring in an expensive solution (made even more expensive by taxes) that could make them reliant on outsiders. Since reusing older hardware is one of open source strengths, it is a natural fit.
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