Telecom Argentina said it aims to reach Cordoba and Rosario with its 5G SA network this year
Telecom Argentina plans to expand its 5G standalone (5G SA) network in certain corridors with high-income customers during 2024, news site DPL reported.
“What we plan to do this year is to provide coverage to an important portfolio of customers. The city of Buenos Aires and the northern region of the Buenos Aires metropolitan area are like a large corridor that will be rolled out by June. ” Roberto Nobile, CEO of Telecom Argentina, was quoted as saying.
Nobile also said that the company will begin deploying 5G in the cities of Cordoba and Rosario during 2024.
The number of 5G-enabled smartphones in the country is still small, the executive said, adding that only 8% of Telecom Argentina customers own 5G-enabled devices.
“As demand starts to increase, we will move forward.” [with 5G deployments]. Demand will slow this year as it is the first year of the macroeconomic crisis and recession. This means that the replacement of all devices will also be delayed,” Nobile said.
The telco claimed to be the first operator to launch 5G standalone technology in the country. Telecom Argentina’s first 5G Stand Alone (5G SA) antenna was deployed last year in the metropolitan area of Greater Buenos Aires (AMBA).
During January, the telecom company installed a number of 5G antennas in the seaside cities of Mar del Plata, Pinamar and Carrillo, using spectrum recently bid in an auction.
“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 will make all possibilities possible.” Strengthening the path of constant evolution of our infrastructure, based on a solid and continuous investment plan that embodies our commitment to the country and its people. “, Telecom Argentina previously said.
Telecom Argentina operates a mobile phone division under the Personal brand.
In October 2023, Argentine carriers Claro, Movistar and Personal secured spectrum to provide 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.
National Communications Entity (Enacom) announced that Claro acquired the first block of 100 MHz in the 3.3-3.4 GHz band for $350 million, while Personal acquired the first block of 100 MHz in the 3.4-3.5 GHz band for $300 million. The band promised to pay $50 million. 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.
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.
