Nokia has signed an agreement with Claro Argentina to roll out 5G infrastructure nationwide. This contract positions Nokia as the sole supplier, significantly expanding its market share in Argentina.
Claro Argentina’s 5G deployment will initially target the country’s largest cities. Nokia’s equipment will come from its 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. This deployment involves base stations, baseband units, and the latest massive MIMO radios. Nokia will also be responsible for planning, deployment, integration, and network optimization services.
Julio Carlos Porras, CEO of Claro Argentina, said: “The investment in our 5G network with our partner, Nokia, will continue to digitize society by bringing high-speed connectivity, increased capacity and seamless connectivity to densely populated areas supporting citizens and enterprises alike. This will enable unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors, empowering organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.”
Nokia’s IPAA+ technology is a notable feature. It offers a modular design supporting frequencies from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz, along with the 3.5 GHz 5G band. This will make Claro Argentina the first Latin American customer to utilize it extensively, hastening 5G deployment.
Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, remarked, “Our 5G portfolio will establish the foundation for digital transformation, opening exciting new opportunities for people and businesses to experience enhanced mobile connectivity.”
Earlier, Telecom Argentina, operating under the Personal brand, announced plans to expand its 5G Standalone (SA) network to high-income corridors in 2024. They aim to launch their 5G SA networks in Cordoba and Rosario within the year. Telecom Argentina was the first operator in the country to unveil 5G SA technology, beginning with Buenos Aires in 2023.
In October 2023, Claro, Movistar, and Personal secured spectrum for 5G services in a government tender. By 2030, GSMA forecasts Argentina will have 34.7 million 5G subscribers, up from 5.7 million in 2025. GSMA also projects 5G penetration will rise from 9% in 2025 to 48% by 2030.
