Movistar Chile (Part of Telefonica) announced at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona that it will complete migration of its fixed broadband network to fibre optic by the end of the year, eliminating copper connectivity.
The company said that, thanks to its Technological Renewal Plan, which has allowed seven thousand tons of copper to be removed from the streets, 100% of its customers - more than 1.3 million homes - in the country will be able to connect to fibre before the end of 2024.
According to Fernando Saiz, director of Public Affairs at Movistar Chile, who spoke at Mobile World Congress, under this plan, the company has already removed more than 7 thousand tons of copper from the streets along with carrying out migration support for clients who are still using old technologies.
Raising Chile’s connectivity standard
He said: “This is an important announcement for Chile, which reinforces our position as the fifth country in the world with the highest year-on-year growth in fibre optic access. In this way, at the end of 2024 this expansion in connectivity will allow us to provide a better experience to people and reach new areas, raising Chile's connectivity standard compared to the world.”
Movistar currently represents the largest home internet community in the country, with a presence in all regions, including rural and remote areas. This year, the company plans to double its clients in rural and remote areas, thanks to efforts to increase commercial capacity in these communities. Currently there are 4.4 million homes with the possibility of connecting to fibre optic broadband through Movistar.
Wi-Fi 6 router growth
The expansion of connectivity throughout the country could also present an opportunity for more Chileans to have access to higher speed internet, as well as entertainment platforms through TV and streaming. According to Saiz, this year the number of the company's Wi-Fi 6 routers will double, providing greater speed and coverage to its users. Along with this, it will continue to support the Television service.
He said: “Starting today, we are adding to our 'all-in-one' Movistar TV, a new alliance that is added free of charge for customers. This is Max (formerly HBO Max), which provides access to popular series and movies, such as Friends, Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, DC Comics, among many others. Thus, it adds to our proposal that includes Paramount+, Star+ and Disney+, along with access to the main platforms directly from the set.”
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