This article takes a look at how Telecom Argentina is shifting its strategy around the Personal brand while gearing up for a possible merger with Movistar.
The company is speeding up its move from old hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks to full fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). At the same time, it’s keeping investment levels in check and rolling out 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) as an extra broadband option, especially out where there aren’t as many people.
Telecom Argentina’s Strategic Shift to the Personal Brand
Telecom Argentina is pulling its market identity together under the Personal brand, making it the main face for both mobile and fixed services.
This shift comes as the company waits for the green light to merge with Movistar’s Argentine business.
Brand consolidation ahead of the Movistar merger
Right now, Telecom and Movistar still have to run separately because of competition rules. But the long-term plan is out there: build one stronger, more streamlined operator focused on the Personal brand.
The idea is to make things clearer for customers, run operations more smoothly, and get ready for the day when the two companies can finally join up for good.
Accelerated Migration from HFC to FTTH
Telecom Argentina’s technical game plan centers on a fast switch from hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).
They’re doing all this without ramping up total investment—capex stays steady, even with the big changes happening.
Capex discipline with a long-term fiber vision
The company plans to keep annual capital expenditure at about US$700 million through 2026.
Instead of spending more overall, they’re shifting funds toward fiber, making the most of old networks, and slowly dropping less efficient tech.
Key FTTH targets include:
Current Broadband Footprint and Customer Base
Telecom Argentina’s fixed network is huge, so this migration is a big deal from both a technical and business angle.
Personal’s fixed broadband customers
As of September, Personal had 4.14 million fixed broadband subscribers. That number doesn’t count Movistar’s fixed customers, since those are still handled separately for now.
Once the merger is cleared, the combined base should give the company a much bigger springboard for new investments and ideas.
Since it joined up with Cablevisión eight years ago, Personal has put about US$7 billion into infrastructure. That’s a hefty, long-term commitment to transforming its networks.
5G Fixed Wireless Access as a Complementary Technology
Fiber isn’t the only tool in Telecom Argentina’s kit. The company is also rolling out 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) to reach places where laying fiber just doesn’t make sense financially.
Phasing out copper in low-density regions
Telecom plans to shut down about 200,000 copper connections in sparsely populated areas and move those customers to 5G FWA.
Copper lines used to be the backbone for phone and DSL, but now they’re just too costly and outdated compared to fiber or modern wireless.
The early numbers for 5G FWA look good:
This mix—fiber in cities and suburbs, 5G FWA out in the sticks—helps the company cover more ground without breaking the bank.
Economies of Scale and Future Outlook
The coming merger with Movistar isn’t just about logos or market share. It’s really about unlocking economies of scale to speed up network upgrades and spark new services.
Post-merger investment potential
Telecom Argentina plans to combine its infrastructure, spectrum, and operational resources. With this, the company hopes the merged entity can push deeper fiber expansion and densify the 5G network.
They believe these moves will boost service quality and stretch coverage further into rural and semi-urban areas. It could also give Argentina a stronger digital services platform.
Here is the source article for this story: BNamericas – Personal will accelerate migration to fiber …