Argentinean regulator Enacom has given the green light to proposals allowing firms to deliver multi-play services including mobile, fixed, internet and pay-TV.
The regulator’s decision had been widely anticipated for the start of 2018 following its January 2017 publications of guidelines that would allow operators to expand their offerings. The move is aimed at bringing about greater competition in the market.
Following the announcement, Enacom has issued mobile provider Claro and Telefonica with licences enabling them to provide radio and pay-TV services in certain cities. The regulator has also provided cable TV provider Supercanal Sociedad Anonima with an MVNO licence, allowing it to offer mobile services.
Enacom president Miguel De Godoy claimed that multi-play services would enable “more offers for users and better quality communication”. In 2016, the government of Argentina confirmed its expectation its reform proposals would bring in $20 billion in investment within four years.
In July 2017, Telecom Argentina merged with cable TV firm Cablevision in a bid to compete more effectively against America Movil’s dominant Claro unit. The regulator approved the merger in December that year with the condition that the combined entity gave up some of its spectrum to remain below the government cap.
