Tigo Guatemala, part of the Millicom stable of operators, has activated what it claims to be Guatemala’s first 5G network, at the Experience Centre in Cayalá, a purpose-built private city with a focus on housing, dining, shopping, entertainment and business, on the outskirts of the capital Guatemala City.
Visitors will be able use 5G video games and virtual reality simulators in addition to compatible smartphones. The company plans to open similar centres in two more shopping areas in the capital: Miraflores and Oakland Mall.
However, according to the BNamericas news service, a second phase is planned in which the company will enable 5G for all Tigo users with compatible smartphones. Which parts of the spectrum are involved, how coverage will be enabled and when there will be enough devices (three Samsung devices have been 5G-certified so far) haven’t yet been revealed.
In November last year we reported that Millicom signed an agreement to gain full control of Tigo Guatemala by acquiring the remaining 45% stake from its local joint venture partner in a $2.2 billion all-cash deal. As part of this agreement, Millicom reportedly committed to investing US$1 billion in the country over the next five years.
Millicom completed the divestiture of its African businesses earlier this year with the aim of focusing on the Latin American region. Underlining that commitment, the company recently announced a US$700 million investment to expand and maintain its mobile and broadband networks in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador over the next two years.
Tigo is the leading mobile operator in Guatemala with nearly 12 million customers and 53% of the market. Claro (América Móvil) is the only other player
