Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay: 7 key aspects of the transfer to Tigo.
Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay , marking the end of a new era for Movistar. You need to understand what's changing with Tigo: lines, coverage, 5G, prices, and support. Here you'll find clear answers, with data and official sources.
1) Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay: what changes for you
When Telefónica shuts down operations in Uruguay , Tigo takes control of Movistar and maintains service for 1.4 million lines. For you, your current number and plan will continue to work. The transfer does not involve scheduled outages, and customer service channels will be aligned with the incoming brand. If you use 5G, continuity depends on the plan, equipment, and coverage available in your area.
Movistar building in downtown Montevideo; operations transferred to Tigo.
2) Hard data: customers, coverage, investment and 5G
The company reported that it closed with 1.4 million mobile customers, nearly 29% of the market and coverage of over 97% of the population. It also noted accumulated investments of more than US$700 million in infrastructure and spectrum. In 5G, the outgoing operator left active networks and assigned spectrum, which Tigo inherits for its own roadmap. These numbers help to understand what Telefónica's closure of operations in Uruguay : it's not a shutdown, but rather a change of control in an already mature platform.
3) Regulatory framework: MIEM, Ursec and Dinatel
The Executive Branch, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MIEM), and regulators Ursec and Dinatel, confirmed that the transfer of 100% of Movistar's shares to Millicom (Tigo) was authorized. When Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay , this approval is key to ensuring service continuity and user protection. If you need to verify the framework, consult MIEM, Ursec , and publications from Telefónica and Millicom/Tigo .
4) Impact for you: portability, plans and technical service
If you want to change carriers, you can keep your number through portability. If you stay, Tigo must respect current contractual conditions and communicate any brand updates or benefits. In practice, when Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay , what you see is a gradual rebranding: app, billing, customer service centers, and signage in stores. Technical support continues through existing channels, which are then integrated into the Tigo ecosystem.
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Portability Number Portability guide .
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Plans : compare prices and benefits in Telecommunications .
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Network Mobile Networks map .
5) Tigo's strategy: integration, synergies and football TV
Tigo arrives with regional experience in mobile telephony, broadband, and sports content through Tigo Sports in other markets. What matters to you? Convergent packages and possible offers with TV or streaming. However, Telefónica's closing operations in Uruguay doesn't mean immediate changes in content. Any rights offering, such as local soccer, depends on bidding processes, commercial agreements, and competition regulations. Millicom anticipated synergies with operations in Paraguay and Bolivia; this could translate into equipment purchases, common platforms, and improved deployment times.
5G test lab; roadmap under new management.
6) Competition and market: quotas, prices and networks
With a 29% share of the mobile market and a high-availability network, the asset Tigo is assuming is powerful. Competition is adjusted based on pricing strategies, promotions, and network quality. For you, the key is to compare real-world experiences: data stability, latency in critical apps, and support. If Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay and Tigo maintains investments, the expected outcome is to maintain coverage and accelerate 5G in high-traffic areas. The impact on prices depends on the response of other operators and the costs of spectrum and sites.
7) Quick FAQ
Does my number change? No.
Does the service drop? It shouldn't.
Do prices go up? It depends on new offers. Compare plans and promotions.
Will there be more 5G? If the investment continues, yes.
What happens to my personal data? Processing must comply with current regulations new operator's
policies Where can I check with the official provider? Check MIEM , Ursec , and Millicom .
8) Conclusion and next steps
When Telefónica closes operations in Uruguay , you need certainty: continuity, coverage, and support. With official authorization and the transfer to Tigo, the service continues while the brand identity and systems are migrated. Your best bet is to monitor communications, review your data needs, and compare benefits. If you're a business, audit SLAs, roaming, and corporate discounts. What aspect would you like us to delve into: real 5G in your area, plan comparison, or after-sales service?
