Broadband  |  2024-04-11

Movistar Argentina Negotiating with Miners to Install Private Networks

Curated by: Gert Jan Wolf - Editor-in Chief for The Critical Communications Review

BN Americas reported that Movistar is currently in talks with multiple mining companies in Argentina to set up private LTE networks. According to Florencia Rodríguez, the marketing manager of Movistar Empresas, they have already presented their mining models to potential clients in Peru and Chile. However, due to confidentiality agreements, she could not disclose any further information about these clients. In a previous interview, mining company Don Nicolás revealed that they are collaborating with Movistar on a $6 million LTE project in Santa Cruz province, which is expected to be operational this year.

While private LTE networks have not yet been established in Argentina, Movistar remains optimistic that the first projects will be launched this year. According to Rodríguez, the delay in implementation could be attributed to high investments and limited access to the exchange market. However, she is confident that they will overcome these challenges and successfully launch the networks.

Currently, Movistar has 20 LTE networks in Latin America, with a strong presence in the mining sector in Chile and Peru. Their clients include notable mining companies such as Las Bambas, Southern Copper, Antamina, and Goldfields.