By: Thomas Young
Gustavo Stocco is a pioneer in the telecommunication industry. He created NAXI telecom in his home country of Brazil. NAXI revolutionized the internet industry in Brazil, bringing high-speed fiber optic internet to the masses. To stay true to his goals, Gustavo always puts the customers first.
In the realm of telecommunications, revolution is not a term used lightly. Yet, it encapsulates the journey and impact of Gustavo Stocco, an entrepreneur whose vision for a better-connected world has significantly altered the landscape of internet services in Brazil and now sets its sights on the United States. At the heart of Stocco’s mission lies a simple but profound belief: offering value directly to consumers without compromising on quality or speed.
The story began in 2009 when Stocco founded NAXI, born out of frustration with the existing state of internet connectivity in Brazil. With less than 3% of Brazil’s internet being fiber optic, consumers grappled with unstable connections that were painfully slow, turning even basic online tasks into time-consuming endeavors. Unlike most entrepreneurs who would see this as a formidable challenge, Stocco saw an opportunity to make a tangible difference.
Drawing inspiration from pioneering initiatives such as COPEL in southern Brazil, Google Fiber’s ambitious rollout in Kansas City, and Global Village Telecom’s success before its acquisition by Telefonica, Stocco embarked on creating NAXI. His goal was crystal clear: to bring lightning-fast internet speeds to Brazilian homes and businesses through cutting-edge fiber optic technology.
Stocco’s approach was radically customer-centric. He understood that while consumers may not be experts in telecommunications technology, they deserve nothing less than high-quality service. This ethos meant prioritizing substantial investments in infrastructure over heavy advertising spending, a decision that paid dividends by keeping costs down for consumers while delivering superior internet speeds. While most national and multinational companies were offering an average speed of 10Mbps, NAXI’s plans started at 15Mbps.
NAXI quickly distinguished itself from competitors by eschewing hidden clauses at the end of contracts, a common grievance among users at the time. Customers were treated to transparent offerings with symmetrical upload and download speeds and straightforward pricing. This commitment to integrity and value creation forged a deep trust between NAXI and its clientele, setting new standards within Brazil’s telecom industry.
Beyond merely providing fast internet, Stocco aimed to create what he referred to as a “WOW” effect, exceeding customer expectations at every turn without any hidden agenda. This relentless focus on consumer satisfaction propelled NAXI from a startup into a major player within the telecom sector. Eschewing the traditional focus from large telecom companies to the central regions of cities, Gustavo instead focused on neighborhoods where growth was assured. Thus, NAXI was able to grow exponentially, not only offering a better internet but also providing jobs and giving back to the community.
After successfully selling NAXI, Stocco plans to move northward to the United States, a country grappling with its own connectivity challenges despite its technological advancements. With outdated coaxial and copper cabling underpinning nearly 75% of all internet connections across its vast expanse, Stocco identified similarities with early-stage Brazil’s infrastructure woes.
The United States’ reliance on aging technologies presents significant hurdles in achieving widespread access to high-speed internet, a critical component in today’s digitally driven economy. Moreover, Stocco notes an impending shortage of technical expertise necessary for upgrading these systems efficiently, an obstacle he had previously navigated during his tenure at NAXI.
Digging deeper into this issue, Gustavo eloquently states, “There is also a trend that the cost of expansion in the United States is higher due to its vast geographic size, similar to Brazil, and the scarcity of specialized labor.”
In transitioning his focus from Brazil to the United States, Gustavo Stocco brings with him a proven track record and an unwavering commitment to enhancing connectivity through innovation and consumer-centric policies. By applying lessons learned from his experiences in Brazil, such as emphasizing product quality over marketing hype, Stocco is poised to influence change within America’s telecom landscape.
As one looks ahead, it becomes increasingly clear that Gustavo Stocco’s journey from pioneering broadband accessibility in Brazil to tackling connectivity issues in the United States exemplifies more than just entrepreneurial success; it represents a steadfast commitment to breaking barriers between people and information. Through his visionary leadership and dedication to delivering value without compromise, Stocco continues to redefine what it means to be truly connected in this modern world.
Published by: Khy Talara
