Argentina's National Communications Entity (ENACOM) concluded a successful auction of 5G spectrum frequency bands generating a total of USD875.091 million from the sale.

The three involved companies, AMX Claro, Telecom, and Telefonica, have successfully acquired their respective allocations. AMX Claro obtained the first lot, Telecom secured the second, and Telefonica acquired the third lot. These telecom providers plan to deploy approximately a thousand radio bases within the next 16 months to roll out 5G services. A total of 250 MHz in the 3300 - 3600 MHz bands was auctioned, divided into two lots of 100 MHz each and one lot of 50 MHz. The base price for each lot was established at USD 350 million. The results of the successful auction are as follows:

• Lot 1: Claro Argentina (100MHz in the 3300MHz-3400MHz band; USD350.052 million).
• Lot 2: Telecom Argentina (100MHz in the 3400MHz-3500MHz band; USD350.026 million).
• Lot 3a: Unsold.
• Lot 3b: Telefonica Argentina (50MHz in the 3550MHz-3600MHz band; USD175.013 million).

The successful bidders will be granted a 20-year authorization to utilize these frequencies for offering 5G services. However, this authorization carries specific obligations, including the gradual deployment of stations in localities with up to 30,000 residents. This phased deployment, spanning five stages, must be accomplished within a maximum period of 84 months or seven years. Additionally, the winning companies are mandated to create a service plan tailored to cater to low-income communities, particularly crucial when employing Fixed Internet Service (STeFI) technology. These companies must ensure that over 50% of users in these sectors have access to the service through suitable terminals.