Telecom Argentina’s first 5G SA antennas have been deployed in large urban centers in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area
Telecom Argentina said it recently launched its first 5G antenna using the 3.5 GHz band, thereby becoming the first telecommunications company to launch 5G Standalone (SA) technology in the country.
Telecom operates its mobile phone division under the Personal brand.
The carrier had previously activated over 240 antennas to offer 5G using Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology.
The carrier said more than 1 million customers have mobile phones eligible for 5G SA technology.
Telecom Argentina’s first 5G SA antennas were deployed in the metropolitan areas of Greater Buenos Aires (AMBA).
“After an investment of more than $350 million, we have acquired a 100 MHz block of the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, which will enable us to expand our 5G network, which we began building in 2021. “This is an important milestone that makes all possibilities possible.” In a statement, the telecom said: “We are on the path to continued evolution of our infrastructure, based on a solid and sustained investment plan that embodies our commitment to the country and its people.” “We will strengthen this,” he said.
The carrier also confirmed that it would be rolling out 5G SA infrastructure in major cities across the country in a phased manner, although it did not provide details.
In October, Argentine carriers Claro, Movistar and Personal secured spectrum to offer 5G services in a government-run tender.
The government got $875 million for spectrum, which was less than the $1.05 billion originally expected.
Claro is owned by Mexican telecommunications group America Movil. Movistar is owned by Spanish telecommunications company Telefonica, and Personal is owned by Telecom Argentina.
Claudio Ambrosini, head of the National Communications Entity (Enacom), said that the first block of 100 MHz in the 3.3-3.4 GHz band was acquired by Claro for $350 million, while Personal has acquired $350 million for the 100 MHz block. He said he promised to pay $1,000. In the 3.4-3.5 GHz band. Meanwhile, Movistar secured a 50 MHz block in the 3.55-3.6 GHz band for $175 million. The regulator said another block of 50 megahertz in the 3.5 GHz band remains vacant.
According to local reports, the 50 MHz that remains vacant could become part of a future tender that includes other bands considered suitable for 5G technology, or that the 100 MHz of 3.6-3.7 GH already It has been suggested that it could be allocated directly to the acquiring state-owned company Arsat. Forming a band through government resolution.
Economy Minister Sergio Massa previously said carriers would invest nearly $1 billion in 5G deployment in the country.
The number of 5G subscribers in Argentina is expected to reach 34.7 million by 2030, up from 5.7 million in 2025, according to a report by telecommunications association GSMA.
According to a GSMA report, 5G penetration in Argentina is expected to reach 9% by 2025 and expand to 48% by 2030.
The GSMA also pointed out that 5G networks will cover 84% of Argentina’s population by 2030, up from 38% in 2025.
