Movistar is phasing out as a brand in Argentina, transferring 6 million mobile customers and 200,000 fixed-line internet users to Tuenti under Metrotel, following regulatory conditions tied to Telecom’s 2025 acquisition of Telefónica. The transition, set to begin Oct. 19, 2026, includes gradual changes and service continuity for affected users.
The shift ends Movistar’s independent presence in Argentina’s mobile market, part of a regulatory requirement for Telecom Argentina to divest assets after acquiring Telefónica. The deal, valued at USD 450 million, transfers 6.005.425 mobile lines and 211.566 fixed-line internet customers to Tuenti, a brand operating under Metrotel’s infrastructure. The Autoridad Nacional de la Competencia (ANC) approved the transaction to prevent market monopolization, ensuring a third competitor remains in a sector dominated by Personal (Telecom) and Claro.
Regulatory Shifts and Market Impact
The move follows Telecom’s 2025 acquisition of Telefónica Argentina for USD 1.245 billion, which raised concerns about market concentration. The ANC required the divestiture to maintain competition, mandating Telecom to transfer a significant portion of its customer base. Tuenti, previously a prepaid mobile brand in Argentina, will now serve as Metrotel’s entry into the mass market. The transfer includes infrastructure, spectrum rights, and 200,000 fixed-line internet customers, aiming to create a third scale competitor in a market where Personal and Claro hold 58% of the mobile share combined.
The operation includes 6.005.425 mobile lines, 211.566 fixed-line internet users, and infrastructure such as fiber-optic networks in Buenos Aires. The ANC had previously approved Metrotel as the buyer, and the deal aligns with regulatory measures to preserve competition. Movistar emphasized that, The operation, which also includes the transfer of assets related to the provision of telecommunications services to ensure the quality and conditions of the same, is part of the measures set by the regulatory authorities with the goal of preserving competition in the Argentine market.
Customer Transition Plans
Customers will not need to change SIM cards or initiate portability; the transfer is automatic. Movistar will notify users via direct communication, followed by Tuenti’s outreach. The process, scheduled to run from Oct. 19 to late November 2026, ensures service continuity, with existing plans, credits, and payment methods unchanged. However, the exact timeline for individual transitions remains unspecified, and users are advised to await official instructions. Infobae reported that Tuenti’s operations will gradually take over, with a focus on “paulatina” (gradual) implementation.
Users in the Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) account for 4.002.013 of the 6.005.425 mobile lines, with the remaining 2.003.412 distributed in other regions. Tuenti’s customer support channels include the Tuenti app, *700 or 0800-321-0700, and WhatsApp at +54 9 11 2272 8588. The transition will involve transitory services
from Telecom and Telefónica Móviles Argentina to ensure uninterrupted service during the handover, according to Infobae.
Metrotel’s Structural Adjustments
Metrotel’s ownership has shifted, with 51% held by Luis María Blaquier and Sebastián Caputo through Nippur Fiber Holding, and 49% by Beacon, led by Ralph Booth. The company, previously focused on fiber networks and corporate clients, now faces managing six million mobile lines and 200,000 fixed-line users. A shared infrastructure agreement with Telecom will support the transition, including spectrum usage and network roaming. Losprimeros noted that the deal includes core network infrastructure and fiber-optic assets in Buenos Aires, critical for managing data and voice traffic during the migration.
The transaction also involves the transfer of spectrum rights and fiber-optic networks deployed by Telefónica in Buenos Aires. Blackstone and Riverwood Capital, which previously held stakes in Metrotel, have exited the company. The deal’s USD 450 million valuation includes infrastructure, spectrum, and operational contracts. Newsdigitales reported that the transition could take 60 days, depending on regulatory approvals, with final agreements pending with Enacom (Argentina’s telecom regulator).
Outstanding Issues and Next Steps
Outstanding issues remain about the exact timeline for individual customer transitions and the final terms of Tuenti’s service offerings. The ANC and Enacom must finalize approvals, with the process expected to conclude before year-end. Newsdigitales reported that the transition could take 60 days, depending on regulatory approvals. Users are advised to await official communications from Movistar and Tuenti for details on their specific transitions.