America Movil's Claro Uruguay unit began technical tests in 5G in the 28 GHz band in the country after receiving authorization from the Communication Services Regulatory Unit (URSEC).
Trial spectrum has been awarded to all three Uruguayan operators – Claro, Antel, and Movistar – to enable the trio to evaluate issues including interoperability with other networks and risks of interference.
The telecommunications regulator temporarily assigned spectrum in the N257 and N258 bands to the three operators to carry out these technical tests, Claro being the first company to take that step with those bands.
According to company sources, Claro has adapted the Core of its Network and will use the latest generation Nokia equipment in the Access Network that was brought to the country.
After this trial period, for massive commercial deployment, it will be necessary to assign high, medium, and low spectrum bands, in sufficient quantities to the three operators according to the recommendation to the countries of the United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
"Claro maintains its commitment to keep Uruguay connected and at the forefront of technology. We believe that connectivity is an enabler of equity and this is a great step on this path," said Veronica Rudolph, General Manager of Claro Uruguay.
Veronica added: "The arrival of 5G technology will undoubtedly be the greatest transformation of connectivity for people, as well as for the use of machines and industrial processes in the next 20 years, opening a new chapter of well-being for society."
