Telecom equipment maker Nokia has revealed it will increase its 5G network market share in Argentina following its deal with Claro.
Claro Argentina’s 5G agreement with Nokia will cover the first phase of 5G network implementation in the country, reaching Argentina’s largest cities. The 5G network deal supports Claro’s strategy of digitizing Argentina with reliable, low-latency and ultra-high-speed connectivity for consumers and enterprises.
Claro has 25.345 million mobile phone subscribers in Argentina at the end of June 2024. This includes 9.448 million postpaid connections and 15.897 million prepaid connections. Claro Argentina posted ARPU of ARS 3.69 in April-June 2024. Churn was 1.3 percent. Claro also has 3.47 million broadband, fixedline and television subscribers in Argentina.
Claro Argentina’s service revenue rose 9.3 percent. Total revenue of Claro Argentina grew 0.9 percent annually. Mobile service revenue of Claro Argentina increased 5.6 percent, driven by postpaid, which shot up 12.5 percent year-on-year. Fixed-line service revenue increased from 15.5 percent in the first quarter to 27.4 percent in the current period. Broadband revenue rose 52.2 percent.
5G deal
Nokia will deploy equipment from its 5G AirScale portfolio, powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. Nokia will supply base stations, baseband units and its latest generation of Massive MIMO radios. Nokia will also offer planning, deployment, integration and network optimization services.
Claro will become the first customer in Latin America to deploy Nokia’s Interleaved Passive Active Antenna (IPAA+) across its entire footprint. Service providers typically face the challenge of finding additional space on towers and rooftops to add 5G antennas. Nokia’s IPAA+ accelerates the deployment of 5G by addressing this practical issue. Its modular design supports a wide range of frequencies, from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz, and the 3.5 GHz 5G band with a compact antenna solution.
Nokia has supported Claro Argentina for the deployment of its 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
Julio Carlos Porras, CEO at Claro Argentina, said: “The investment in our 5G network with our partner, Nokia, confirms our technology leadership and commitment to innovation. It will continue to digitize society by bringing high-speed connectivity, increased capacity, and seamless connectivity to densely populated areas.”
Baburajan Kizhakedath
