Argentine 5G implementation advances only slowly

Argentina’s 5G rollout is advancing only slowly because of the economic crisis, mild first-year coverage obligations, low availability of compatible devices and lackluster demand.

Spectrum was awarded in October 2023, with Claro and Telecom Argentina winning a 100MHz lot each, offering US$350mn in both cases. A third lot was divided into two 50MHz blocks, with Telefónica getting one for US$175mn, and the other not drawing any bids.

Service quality measurement company nPerf created user-supported 5G maps for the country, and although the sample is limited, it coincides with coverage figures operators reported.

Telecom Argentina is most advanced, having installed 100 5G antennas, but “we are thinking about postponing the implementation of more sites,” CFO Gabriel Blasi said at the results conference.

Companies are waiting until user interest increases and monetization has been solved.

Furthermore, Telecom estimates that only 8% of the terminal base supports 5G.

According to Telecom's website, 5G is available in Buenos Aires and localities in its metropolitan area, and in over 20 cities, including La Plata, Bahía Blanca, Córdoba and Mendoza.

Movistar's press office said in an email that 5G antennas are operating in Buenos Aires metropolitan area, La Plata, San Juan, Mendoza, Bahía Blanca, Pinamar and Mar del Plata. The company did not say how many antennas have been installed, however. 

According to Nperf data, Movistar users in Jujuy province's San Juan also have access.

Claro did not provide any deployment details, but Nperf data shows users were able to use 5G in Buenos Aires, Tandil, Rosario, Córdoba and San Miguel de Tucumán.