Argentina’s 5G rollout Economic crisis, light first-year coverage obligations, low availability of compatible devices, and weak demand.
The spectrum will be allocated in October 2023, with Claro and Telecom Argentina winning 100 MHz each, each offering $350 million. The third allocation is split into two 50 MHz bands, with Telefonica winning one for $175 million and the other receiving no bids.
Service quality measurement firm nPerf has produced a user-supported 5G map of the country, and although the sample is limited, it matches the coverage figures reported by carriers.
Telecom Argentina is the furthest along, with 100 5G antennas installed, but is “considering postponing the deployment of further sites,” Chief Financial Officer Gabriel Blasi said on the earnings call.
Companies are waiting for user interest to grow and monetization issues to be ironed out.
Additionally, the telecom estimates that just 8% of its device base supports 5G.
According to the telecom’s website, 5G is available in Buenos Aires and its metropolitan area, as well as in more than 20 cities, including La Plata, Bahía Blanca, Córdoba and Mendoza.
Movistar’s press office said in an email that 5G antennas are up and running in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, La Plata, San Juan, Mendoza, Bahía Blanca, Pinamar and Mar del Plata, but the company did not say how many antennas have been installed.
According to Nperf data, it is also accessible to Movistar users in San Juan, Jujuy.
Claro didn’t provide details about the rollout, but Nperf data shows that users were able to access 5G in Buenos Aires, Tandil, Rosario, Córdoba, and San Miguel de Tucumán.
