Telecom Argentina Unveils Strategic 5G Core Network Blueprint, Setting Industry Benchmarks

Pioneering 5G Deployment in Argentina

Telecom Argentina has outlined its comprehensive strategy and practical experience in establishing a robust 5G core network, a move that is setting new benchmarks within the global telecommunications industry. The company was the first Argentine telco to deploy 5G services in April 2021, initially utilizing Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology in key urban centers like Buenos Aires City and Rosario City.

The deployment of an autonomous 5G core network commenced in 2022, with completion targeted for 2024, and its standalone (SA) 5G core was recently launched in 2025. This advanced infrastructure is designed to be intelligent, resilient, and experience-driven, offering practical insights for operators worldwide.

Strategic Investments and Technological Partnerships

A significant milestone in Telecom Argentina's 5G journey was the acquisition of a 100 MHz block in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band for over $350 million in October 2023. This investment enabled the launch of 5G Standalone (SA) services, complementing its existing DSS network. The company's overall investment plan for 2024 includes $500 million dedicated to fiber optics, 4G, and 5G networks. Over the past six years, Telecom Argentina has invested a total of $6.5 billion in modernizing and developing its networks.

Huawei and Nokia have been crucial technology partners, supporting Telecom Argentina in its 5G trials and deployments since 2018. Huawei is a primary provider for the 5G core network.

Expanding Coverage and Enterprise Solutions

Telecom Argentina has been steadily expanding its 5G footprint across the country. By the end of 2023, the company operated 240 DSS sites and activated 34 SA sites. Looking ahead, the company aims to reach 750 active 5G sites by the end of 2025, up from 550 sites in mid-2025. This expansion targets high-traffic demand areas, including Greater Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba, and plans to have an active site in each provincial capital.

The strategic vision extends beyond consumer connectivity to robust enterprise solutions. Telecom Argentina is actively introducing private 5G solutions through network slicing on its new Buenos Aires core, catering to sectors such as:

• Mining
• Oil
• Ports
• Agriculture

The company has already established approximately 25 private networks for these industries. Furthermore, Telecom Argentina is enhancing its data center capabilities, planning upgrades for all 16 facilities to a 10MW capacity to support growing demands from Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and corporate clients.

Impact and Future Outlook

The advanced 5G network is expected to deliver significantly higher speeds—up to 100 times faster than 4G—along with lower latency and support for a multitude of connected devices. This infrastructure is foundational for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, connected homes and cars, home automation, and AI. Personal, Telecom Argentina's mobile brand, has recorded a median 5G throughput of 432 Mbps, demonstrating the network's capacity for bandwidth-intensive applications.

While the adoption of 5G-ready smartphones among customers is currently between 8% and 16%, Telecom Argentina remains committed to driving digital transformation and economic competitiveness in the country. The company's strategic blueprint emphasizes continuous investment and innovation to solidify its position as a leading technology provider in the region.