State-owned telcos investing in fiber optics in Uruguay, Bolivia

Uruguayan state-owned telco Antel announced an investment of US$2.2mn in Duranzo department this year, with US$1.7mn going to fiber optics and connections.

This is the "most important investment figure for the company in the last eight years" in the department, company president Gabriel Gurméndez said in a release.

The fiber will be installed in places like Blanquillo, Sarandí del Yí, Villa del Carmen and Carlos Reyles, as well as La Paloma.

The executive said that this year the company expects to complete the replacement of the old copper networks with fiber optics both in Durazno and the rest of the country.

BOLIVIA

Bolivian state company Entel is advancing with the deployment of fiber optics in Tarija and Santa Cruz departments.

It recently expanded its fiber-to-the-home network to 13 new neighborhoods in Yacuiba, Tarija department, and extended its fiber infrastructure in other neighborhoods of the department.

It also extended its fiber optic networks to the tourist municipality of Cuevo in Santa Cruz department.

In March it also announced an investment of US$12.5mn to expand the fiber optic network and install new base stations or antennas in Chuquisaca department.

Entel offers broadband and internet protocol TV (IPTV) service over its fiber optic network.

The state-run company has a budget of US$50mn for the deployment of phase 3 of its fiber optic project, which will benefit 32 municipal capitals and 12 towns, as well as various rural areas.