In a stock market statement, America Movil revealed the agreement with Entel had been scrapped and it would “explore its potential participation” in a sales process initiated by Telefonica alone.

Bloomberg reported Entel is also set to consider going it alone on a bid.

The suitors entered the initial pact in July.

In a statement released in October, America Movil noted the rationale behind “jointly exploring their potential offer is based on the potential benefits that the transaction could generate for its clients and Chilean consumers”.

It added the move could “strengthen the telecommunications sector competitiveness, increasing the ability to continue investing and competing in high-speed networks and coverage, through a more efficient use of the involved assets, all of which is key to the country’s digitalisation”.

In a stock market statement issued in October, Telefonica Chile announced it had been informed by its parent company there was a “strategic evaluation process” of the business underway which could lead to its sale.

At the time, it added there had been “several non-binding expressions of interest” and a due diligence process was “underway with several potential buyers”.

A divestment in Chile would be the latest disposal of a Telefonica’s asset in Latin America, as it continues to sharpen its focus on priority markets.

The post Telefonica Chile suitors sever alliance appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Bloomberg reported the data centre will be developed near the industrial port of Pecem, in the northeastern state of Ceara, in partnership with data centre developer Omnia and renewable energy company Casa dos Ventos.

The news agency explained the Pecem site is close to Fortaleza, a major hub for submarine cables, providing one of the shortest digital routes from Brazil to Europe and Africa.

Bloomberg cited a TikTok representative who stated the project will rely on clean energy from wind energy parks.

The news agency noted Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made attracting data centre investments a national priority to fuel AI growth.

In September, Lula signed a provisional measure offering incentives such as tax exemptions on imported equipment for companies building data centres in Brazil.

Lula told Bloomberg the Pecem data centre could serve as an example for additional data centres throughout the country.

In September, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to split off TikTok from ByteDance, allowing US investors to hold a majority stake in the new entity, but the deal remains in limbo.

Bloomberg reported the government in China agreed a month ago to work with the Trump administration, but has yet to openly support the deal.

The post TikTok to splash $38B on Brazil data centre appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The utility company supplies water, sewage collection and treatment across 375 municipalities in the Sao Paulo area. It serves more than 28 million people.

In a translated regulatory filing, Sabesp revealed it signed a service agreement with Telefonica Brasil and its cloud affiliate in the country for the system comprising equipment, infrastructure and the underlying connectivity.

It added the smart meter project is “on a scale greater than similar initiatives known globally in the sanitation sector”.

The mammoth deal is the latest inked by an operator for use of IoT in the utilities segment, with water companies across a number of markets using connected technology for customer billing and within other parts of their businesses including leak detection.

In a corporate blog in 2024, Telefonica Tech cited internal data showing the adoption of smart meters could cut leaks by 40 per cent, cut maintenance costs and improve customer satisfaction by 60 per cent.

The post Water company taps Telefonica for $700M NB-IoT project appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Telefonica COO Emilio Gayo told Reuters the operator is “reducing our exposure to Huawei” in both countries, where governments have mandated the phase-out of the Chinese vendor’s equipment from 5G core networks due to national security concerns.

In the UK, where a similar ban is in place, Gayo added that Telefonica’s exposure to Huawei is already “very, very low”.

However, the operator confirmed it will continue using Huawei equipment in Brazil and other Latin American markets, where no such restrictions are in place. Reuters reported that Telefonica CEO Marc Murtra emphasised that equipment from all suppliers is subject to strict internal standards, ensuring security for the company and its customers.

Huawei has faced restrictions across European markets for a numbers of years, with governments citing national security risks.

However, Spain did recently award a €12 million wiretap contract to Huawei, which was met with a warning from the European Commission.

According to The Financial Times, the European watchdog warned that Huawei “represents materially higher risks” than other suppliers.

However, a Huawei spokesperson told Mobile World Live that all of its products in Spain “fully comply with local laws, regulations, and applicable product admission criteria and standards.”

Regarding the wiretap equipment in question, OceanStor Dorado, the company stated it is “a common flash storage hardware” that adheres to Spain’s National Security Scheme and ICT security guidelines. “Huawei has no access to customer data, all the information stored in hardware belongs to and is at the exclusive disposal of the customer,” the spokesperson added.

The post Telefonica drops Huawei gear across Spain, Germany appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Three sources close to Reuters claim Telefonica is accelerating a plan to sell its Mexican operation, after rumours first emerged in February that is looking to exit the market, along with other businesses in the region.

It has since agreed a sale of its unit in Argentina to Telecom Argentina, a deal with Millicom for its Colombia operation and disposals in Uruguay and Peru.

If Reuters sources are proved correct, Mexico could well be next on the chopping block with Beyond ONE looking to bolster its presence in the country after buying MVNO Virgin Mobile Latin America in 2023.

A research note published in June by European financial services company Kepler Cheuvreux indicated Telefonica’s Mexico business could be worth around €520 million.

Under new CEO Marc Murtra, Telefonica has stated it plans to focus on four core markets of Brazil, the UK, Spain and Germany. It plans to unveil a major cost-cutting programme later this year.

However, Reuters added a sale in Mexico could be held up by the creation of a new antitrust commission, which has been mooted and would have oversight over telecoms companies.

The post Telefonica edges closer to Mexico sale appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The latest agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is part of an ongoing Telefonica strategy to cut its exposure to Latin America in favour of focusing on what it deems to be its key markets.

Telefonica noted its Movistar brand is the second largest in Ecuador, with around 5 million connections as of the end of March.

In its statement, Millicom positioned the purchase as significantly enhancing its footprint in the region and commercial reach.

The operator group’s CEO Marcelo Benitez added the “acquisition reflects our long-term confidence in Latin America and our commitment to purposeful, sustainable growth”.

“Ecuador offers a dynamic and growing digital market within a stable, dollarised economy, making it a natural fit for Millicom’s strategy. By expanding our presence in South America, we strengthen our platform for innovation, diversification and long-term value creation.”

Last month, Millicom struck a deal to buy Telefonica’s Uruguay division for $440 million, having finalised a long-expected agreement for Telefonica’s majority stake in Colombian provider Coltel two months earlier.

Aside from the sales to Millicom, Telefonica also signed deals to exit Peru and Argentina during 2025. 

The post Telefonica to offload Ecuador unit in latest LatAm sale appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Cryan is appointed as Ericsson’s president for Latin America North and the Caribbean, a position spanning 39 territories, seven different languages and two factories.

The vendor explained the appointment is part of a reorganisation under the Ericsson Americas banner, a move which paid off in the opening quarter when the division booked a 26 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue.

Much of the growth, though, was driven by its North American business, with the company noting in earnings documents Latin American sales were down “due to continued intense competition and lower customer network investments”.

Cryan believes the region offers great potential for economic development based on digitalisation and explained Ericsson’s strategy would focus on fixed wireless access and “closing digital divides”.

Ericsson explained Cryan is also set to heavily promote 5G networks in Latin America.

The executive joined Ericsson from Vodafone Group in 2007 and gained leadership experience with the vendor’s cloud software and services unit for the Americas, as a key account manager for its T-Mobile US relationship, country manager for Nigeria and a mobile financial services role involving MTN Group.

The post Ericsson installs LatAm leader appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Verizon drops DEI, gains Frontier clearance

What happened: Verizon secured the green light from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications as the operator agreed to wind down its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Why it matters: FCC chair Brendan Carr hailed the deal as a boost for network expansion and job creation, particularly in rural areas, providing a win for both consumers and the workforce. However, as part of the approval process, Verizon announced it would dismantle all DEI-related programmes and roles, including sponsorships and hiring goals. Verizon’s chief legal officer Vandana Venkatesh noted the changes were “not just in name… but in substance”. The US-based company informed Carr of the move one day before the announcement, stating the decision was a response to the changing regulatory landscape in the country, citing Supreme Court decisions, executive orders, and federal guidance suggesting that DEI initiatives may be interpreted as discriminatory. The FCC chair praised the decision as a move towards equal opportunity employment, arguably setting a precedent of regulatory clearance being tied to a company’s internal HR approach.

Apple partner Foxconn to invest $1.5B in India

What happened: Apple supplier Foxconn outlined plans to invest $1.5 billion in India as it vies to scale up iPhone production in the country.

Why it matters: The investment, channelled through the company’s Singapore arm, signals growing momentum behind Apple’s shift away from Chinese production to boost resilience across its supply chain. Foxconn’s expansion aligns with Apple’s target to assemble all iPhones for the US market, totalling to over 60 million units annually, in India by the end of 2026. This would more than double current production levels as the Taiwanese company assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in the subcontinent in the year ending March 2025. However, Apple’s India ambitions have drawn scrutiny from its home country; last week, US President Donald Trump criticised CEO Tim Cook for ramping up overseas production, urging Apple to refocus on domestic manufacturing. Trump later claimed that the iPhone-maker may ramp up domestic US production in response, although no formal confirmation by the company has followed.

Preview: M360 LATAM says ‘Hola!’ to Mexico City

What happened: Telecom leaders are heading to Mexico City as GSMA’s M360 LATAM event returns to the region between 28 May and 29 May with a sharp focus on accelerating 5G rollout, AI integration and digital inclusion.

Why it matters: Mobile World Live’s US editor Mike Robuck spoke to GSMA CMO Lara Dewar about how this year’s edition is set to highlight practical applications of advanced technologies, including GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative, non-terrestrial networks, green infrastructure and cybersecurity. With Latin America’s digital landscape rapidly evolving, the event is set is to showcase how these technologies are reshaping industries across the region. In addition, addressing the digital divide — both in terms of access and usage — is expected to be a hot topic, with Dewar noting that Latin America stands at a “unique crossroads”. Despite a “clear push towards technological advancement, fuelled by rapid digital adoption and the promise of 5G and AI”, she explained that significant barriers to digital inclusion remain, urging collaborative efforts between governments, operators and industry stakeholders. Ultimately, with tech, policy, and sustainability all on the table against the backdrop of Mexico City’s vibrant culture, the upcoming M360 LATAM promises to be a pivotal moment for the region’s digital evolution.

The post The Friday File: Verizon shutters DEI; M360 set for Mexico appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a statement on the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, Millicom pointed to expected benefits from infrastructure and commercial synergies with existing operations in Paraguay and Bolivia.

The buyer asserted the move would “consolidate its leadership position” in the region, noting Telefonica’s operation in Uruguay was a “well-established, profitable mobile operator with nationwide coverage”.  

Millicom CEO Marcelo Benitez said the acquisition “represents a key milestone in our purposeful growth strategy across Latin America,” stating Uruguay is “a country with strong fundamentals and a forward-looking digital agenda”.

“We are committed to being a long-term partner in Uruguay’s digital development by investing in mobile infrastructure, improving service quality, and fostering innovation and talent development.”

For Telefoncia, the deal will be the latest move in a strategy to divest units in Latin America, having already struck deals for its businesses in Peru, Colombia and Argentina.

In its brief statement on the sale Telefonica explained with the transaction it was “moving forward with its plan to reduce exposure in Latin America”.

It added the Movistar operation in Uruguay was the second largest mobile provider in the country with a 29 per cent market share.

The other two mobile players in the market are state-owned Antel and America Movil’s Claro.

The post Millicom to buy Telefonica unit in Uruguay for $440M appeared first on Mobile World Live.

GSMA CMO Lara Dewar told Mobile World Live (MWL) this year’s conference will focus on the real-world impact of 5G and the application of AI in the region, showcasing how the technologies are already transforming key sectors.

“We are diving deep into GSMA Open Gateway use cases, green technology, the rollout of mobile fibre and how non-terrestrial  networks (NTNs) will redefine connectivity,” she explained. “Cybersecurity also remains a key focus, especially as digital transformation accelerates, and we are excited to discuss the changing habits of users and the future of connectivity in Latin America.”

Ultimately, the conversations will help ensure that digital technologies continue to benefit all sectors of the economy, according to Dewar.

She stated the region is at a unique crossroads as the industry pushes towards technological advancements fuelled by rapid digital adoption and the promise of 5G and AI. But Dewar noted there are significant barriers in some areas of Latin America.

“We need to focus on increasing accessibility to digital services in underserved areas, which is critical to bridging the gap between urban and rural populations,” she told MWL. “But we also need to address the usage gap – the divide between those who live within network coverage but are not connected – to ensure that connectivity translates into meaningful inclusion.”

She stated those challenges will be addressed by government entities, operators and industry stakeholders at M360 LATAM.

Digital transformations
Stakeholders of all stripes will collaborate on creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation across Latin American countries while protecting consumers, according to Dewar.

At the same time, there needs to be a concerted effort to drive investments across the region, especially for 5G and fibre networks. Dewar stated those investments are crucial to laying the foundation for a digital-first economy.

“Addressing digital literacy and ensuring that all citizens are equipped to navigate a digital world is equally important,” she said. “At the GSMA, we are also focused on building secure, resilient and sustainable networks that can support the demands of tomorrow.”

Regulatory issues
Dewar noted Latin America is a heterogenous region, but countries share common challenges as well as a climate of shifting policies and ongoing telecom debates.

The 12^th edition of the  Latin American Congress on Digital Transformation (CLTD), co-organised by ASIET, the GSMA and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will bring together government authorities, international organisations and industry leaders to address issues under the theme of “Policies for the Digital (R)evolution in Latin America”.

“The importance of consolidation to gain scale and accelerate the rollout of technologies, and the need for a flexible, forward-looking approach to spectrum management, are key topics on Mexico’s and Latin America’s regulatory agenda,” added Dewar.

Keynotes
Dewar said she is looking forward to the first keynote of the conference, which includes America Movil CEO Daniel Hajj and Telecom Argentina CEO Roberto Nobile. Lucas Gallitto, head of Latin America for the GSMA, ASIET secretary general Maryleana Mendez and AT&T CMO Samy Abuyaghi are also scheduled to participate in the opening keynote on 28 May.

The second keynote on AI will feature Qualcomm LatAm president Luiz Tonisi, Thiago Crote, CISO Google Cloud consulting LatAm, and Anatel CEO Gabriel Szekely, among others.

The sustainability keynote on the second day includes Fabian Monge, CEO for LATAM North and Caribbean at Ericsson, AT&T Mexico’s Daniel Ríos Villa (assistant VP for external affairs and sustainability), and Conexis president Marcos Ferrari.

A cultural experience
Mexico City is a melting pot for indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern traditions. It boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Dewar said she is looking forward to soaking in the culture and spirit of Mexico City “because it’s such a dynamic place with so much to offer”.

“I’ve heard amazing things about the local cuisine, and I can’t wait to try even more of it this time,” she said. “But beyond that, I’m especially excited to reconnect in person with our partners and stakeholders. These moments of collaboration are so important as we continue driving conversations around digital transformation across the region.

“There’s a special energy that comes from being on the ground and engaging directly with the community.”

The event will take place on 28 May to 29 May at the Hyatt Regency Mexico City in Polanco.

The post Preview: M360 LATAM says ‘Hola!’ to Mexico City appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In its earnings statement, Telefonica reported writedowns amounting to €1.2 billion from Argentina and €500 million in Peru. Net income from continuing operations reached €427 million, a 26 per cent year-on-year decrease.

Revenue dropped 2.9 per cent year-on-year to €9.2 billion. The company, however pointed to strength around its core businesses, with growth in Spain, above inflation growth in Brazil and operational improvement in Germany.

It also said it had successfully reduced exposure in Latin America during the quarter, a long-standing goal, after the sale of its stake in Argentina and an agreement to sell operations in Colombia. Press rumours continue to circulate that the company is also edging towards a sale of its Chile unit.

CEO Marc Murtra, who took the helm earlier this year, has revealed plans to conduct a strategic review of the company, which looks likely to focus on Europe, technology excellence and simplifying the operator.

Gayo, who commented in the statement, said the first quarter results met expectations and its numbers would improve throughout the year in line with targets.

“During the second half of the year, we will communicate the conclusions of the strategic review we are conducting,” he added.

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The operator’s Telefonica Hispanoamerica unit announced the deal was signed and closed yesterday (13 April), and covered its entire stake along with a loan it made in February to keep the Peruvian business running while it moved to restructure through a bankruptcy process.

Telefonica Hispanoamerica hailed the sale for maintaining its service to more than 13 million customers in Peru.

Integra Tec appointed German Ranftl as chair of Telefonica del Peru to oversee a restructuring process, with Elena Maestre continuing to lead its existing management team.

Telefonica Hispanoamerica explained the Peruvian operator will still have access to a PEN1.5 billion credit facility it arranged as part of the bankruptcy process.

At the time of initiating the voluntary bankruptcy process, Telefonica Hispanoamerica explained historic tax issues and administrative decisions left the Peruvian business “at a competitive disadvantage” and Bloomberg reported the operator had failed in previous bids to sell the unit.

The deal also involves an “indirect transfer of control” of shares the unit holds in rural operator Internet para Todos.

Telefonica Hispanoamerica stated Integra Tec brings “extensive experience” of Latin American telecoms, utilities, media, energy, chemical and natural resources industries, along with “the recovery of companies facing financial difficulties”.

It added Integra Tec is committed to expanding Telefonica del Peru’s services, restructure its debt and deliver a solid capital structure.

The Peru move follows reports its unit in Mexico is up for sale alongside planned deals in Argentina and Colombia.

The post Telefonica exits Peru in $1M deal appeared first on Mobile World Live.

TIM Brasil is seeking operational and technological improvements. Ericsson stated the consolidated set-up would offer various performance gains, along with better security, accounting, debt collection and roaming capabilities.

Ericsson’s cloud-native billing product will cover TIM Brasil’s consumer, corporate and fixed customer segments. It explained the set-up will employ AI to improve the accuracy of bills and simplify invoicing for converged services.

TIM Brasil CIO Auana Mattar explained it constantly seeks ways to put technology to use for its own operations, in this case looking to bring “more efficiency and continuous improvement to our processes”.

The operator ultimately expects its work with Ericsson to help uncover “innovative business models that require high computational performance combined with accuracy”.

The post TIM Brasil taps Ericsson for cloud billing appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Under the terms of the agreement, Millicom will buy Telefonica’s 67.5 per cent stake in Coltel and offer the same price per share for equity owned by the country’s ministry of finance and other stakeholders.

In a statement, Millicom explained the purchase price of $400 million announced when negotiations commenced was subject to adjustments related to debt, working capital and foreign exchange rates. It noted on figures from the end of September 2024 the price would be $362 million.  

The deal is subject to regulatory clearance. Should it go through, Millicom intends to combine Telefonica Colombia with its existing operation in the country.

Millicom CEO Marcelo Benitez said the transaction “strengthens our presence in Colombia and with this strategic move, Millicom reaffirms its ongoing commitment to expanding connectivity and coverage, accelerating digital transformation, and actively contributing to Colombia’s continued growth and competitiveness”.

In a stock market statement, Telefonica noted the deal is part of its “asset portfolio management policy and is aligned with its strategy of gradually reducing exposure in Hispanoamerica”.

The binding agreement on Colombia follows a period of intense media speculation over the future of Telefonica’s assets in Latin America, with reports linking it to attempts to exit a number of markets.

In February, it struck a deal to sell its unit in Argentina for $1.2 billion.  

The post Telefonica, Millicom strike Colombia deal appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In its brief statement on the sale, Telefonica explained it was part of a group strategy to reduce exposure to the region. Its exit from Argentina and some other markets in Latin America has been the subject of regular media speculation in recent weeks.

Telecom Argentina highlighted a plan to make “intensive capital investments” on fibre and 5G in the coming years, along with “expansion of value-added services” in a stock exchange filing.

Areas where it plans to extend its reach include video on demand, IoT, AI and cloud services, and products for enterprise.

Telecom Argentina indicated as a result of its investments, “Argentina will have a digital infrastructure of international level and quality, boosting the development of key sectors of the economy”.

The deal is being mostly financed by loans.

Telefonica announced the “signing and closing of the transaction took place simultaneously” yesterday (24 February).

Competition
However, in a statement published in newspaper Clarin, the office of Argentina’s President Javier Milei revealed the deal would be investigated by regulators to assess whether it constituted the creation of a monopoly.

“This acquisition could leave approximately 70 per cent of telecommunications services in the hands of a single economic group, which would create a monopoly formed thanks to decades of state benefits received by the company,” it noted.

It added the government would “take all measures to guarantee users’ right to choose, free competition and accessibility to telecommunications services”.

In terms of mobile connections in Q4 2024, GSMA Intelligence placed Telecom Argentina as the second largest with 21.5 million and Telefonica third with 17.5 million.

America Movil’s Claro ranked top on 25.8 million.

The post Telefonica Argentina exit deal draws scrutiny appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a statement, the Telefonica unit disclosed it had lodged a request with Peruvian authorities to enter an ordinary bankruptcy procedure (PCO).

It explained the move was deemed to be the best way to protect the provision of communications services to its 13 million-strong customer base and “does not imply a liquidation, much less a bankruptcy”.

Telefonica said in recent years its financial situation had been affected by “more than 20 years-old tax contingencies and administrative decisions that have placed the company at a competitive disadvantage in a particularly challenging market environment”.

In its most recent financial results statement, for Q3 2024, Telefonica booked a €314 million non-cash impairment on the asset describing the level of competition as “aggressive”.

Telefonica Peru executive president Elena Maestre explained the decision to file for a PCO came “after evaluating different alternatives to ensure the financial stability of the company”.

To get the PCO, the operator’s parent company Telefonica Hispanoamerica has opened a line of credit to provide the operational cash needed to maintain service.

Bloomberg reported the move followed failed attempts to sell the unit and at the start of a legal challenge to tax payments levied in the country.   

Its latest issues in its Peruvian operation come at a time of continued speculation about the shape of Telefonica’s business in Latin America moving forward, with units in Mexico and Argentina reportedly up for sale alongside Telefonica Colombia.

The post Telefonica Peru issues bankruptcy proceeding appeared first on Mobile World Live.

According to Spanish news outlet Expansion, potential buyers include French operator Iliad, Latin America-focused provider Millicom, as well as local Argentine investors.

Since late 2019, the Spanish telecoms giant has made moves to reduce its presence in the region, as part of a strategy to raise more cash to finance the build-out of 5G.

In addition to selling off its Costa Rican unit to Liberty Latin America in 2020, along with two other units in Central America and most recently entered into an agreement to offload its Colombia business to Millicom.

Bloomberg noted Argentina has proved to be a particularly challenging market for Telefonica due to high inflation and a weak economy.

The potential sale adds to a recent leadership change at the company as long-time CEO Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete stepped down earlier this month after nearly nine years at the helm.

The shake-up followed a major restructure of the company’s shareholding, with Saudi operator stc Group acquiring a nearly 10 per cent stake in the business last year.

Telefonica is unlikely to progress on the potential sale in Argentina until new chief executive Marc Murtra reviews the company’s long-term strategic direction, added Bloomberg.

The post Telefonica explores Argentina unit sale appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The Finnish vendor fulfilled the contract with goods from its AirScale equipment range, with the initial deployment covering 30 sites in major cities including San Jose, Cartago and Limon, along with some rural areas.

Nokia stated the target for 2024 is to connect 170 sites and then expand to the full 500. It predicted the data rates and low latency provided by SA 5G will benefit consumers and businesses, along with boosting development of IoT services.

Fixed wireless access capability is another feature of the network, Nokia stated, pointing to a GSMA Intelligence prediction the method is set for steady growth when compared to other broadband connectivity approaches.

Alongside Massive MIMO radios, remote radio heads and base stations, RACSA selected Nokia’s MantaRay network management set-up. The vendor explained this provides a “unified and automated view of the network” to boost the operator’s control.

The deployment also involved compatible Nokia core infrastructure.

RACSA GM Mauricio Barrantes said the rollout of SA 5G is a “pivotal step in Costa Rica’s digital transformation”, which will enhance “the quality of life” for citizens.

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The tech giant stated the deal, which runs “through 2038” marks its first significant engagement for carbon removal in Brazil.

Facebook owner Meta Platforms stated the long-term contract with the BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (BTG Pactual TIG) is for the delivery of 1.3 million nature-based carbon removal credits, with the option for an additional 2.6 million.

Reuters reported the deal could be worth up to $16 million based on an average price for forestry carbon offsets.

The credits will be delivered from BTG Pactual TIG’s $1 billion reforestation and restoration strategy in Latin America. Conservation International serves as its impact adviser for the project.

Blair Swedeen, global head of net zero and sustainability at Meta Platforms, stated the deal aligns with the company’s goals for its net zero program “and for carbon markets broadly”.

To date, BTG Pactual TIG’s forest restoration projects in Latin America have planted more than seven million seedlings and initiated restoration of approximately 2,600 hectares of natural forest.

The post Meta inks deal for up to 3.9M carbon credits in LatAm appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Revenue in the Americas hit $15.4 billion compared with $15.2 billion in Japan, the SIA stated, citing figures compiled by World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, an independent, non-profit industry organisation.

An SIA representative told Mobile World Live it was the first time China was surpassed by the Americas over the past five years.

Revenue in the Americas was up 40.1 per cent and 19.5 per cent in China. Japan was flat and European sales fell 12 per cent.

Global revenue of $51.3 billion was up 18.7 per cent.

John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO, stated July was also the fourth consecutive month of sequential gains in global revenue.

The post Americas tops China for semiconductor revenue in July appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a joint statement, Telefonica and America Movil explained they would explore options to take part in a sale of WOM’s assets after it sought safe harbour in a US court in April in a bid to remain viable while undertaking refinancing.

Telefonica and America Movil emphasised they “may decide at any time not to submit an offer”, and any move would “be subject to the bidding procedure” and regulations under WOM’s reorganisation procedure.

The operators argued any move for the assets of WOM and its affiliates would benefit consumers in Chile, with healthy competition and continued investment in high-speed connectivity “key to the digitalisation of the country”.

When it filed for Chapter 11 protection, WOM CEO Chris Bannister said the company was committed to “connect millions of Chileans with 5G” as part of a drive to close the digital divide.

Telefonica and America Movil stated an increased “capacity to continue investing and competing in high-speed and coverage networks” is an important element in sustaining Chile’s telecoms sector.

The post America Movil, Telefonica mull WOM asset buy appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a brief statement, BT noted Control Empresarial de Capitales had upped its holding to 4.3 per cent, building on a 3.2 per cent stake the Mexican business acquired in June for £400 million.

BT’s regulatory filing shows the billionaire’s business hit the 4.3 per cent mark on 29 August, with issuer notification completed yesterday (2 September).

In June, Control Empresarial de Capitales reportedly played down the significance of its stake build, telling Bloomberg it was a monetary decision in line with investments it makes in other companies.

But the move was broadly reported as a validation of new BT CEO Allison Kirkby’s strategy, as the executive looks to rein in costs as part of a broader rejig of the company.

The Mexican company upped its holding barely a fortnight after Indian giant Bharti Global agreed a deal to acquire Altice’s 24.5 per cent stake in the UK-headquartered operator, a move founder Sunil Mittal also played down as purely an investment-driven decision rather than a stealth takeover bid.

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Announcing the project, president of Google Cloud for Latin America Eduardo Lopez explained the new data centre will be located in the city of Canelones, and will solidify the company’s presence and existing work in the country.

Google expects the data centre to bring “greater connectivity across the region” and stimulate development of government services along with those for businesses and local communities, while improving access to AI.

It added the establishment of the data centre builds on existing efforts in Uruguay including partnerships with two universities “to incorporate technology content into related courses”, and a project with start-up academies to promote business and innovation.

“Today marks an important milestone for Google’s longstanding commitment to Latin America,” Lopez said. “Opening a new data centre in Uruguay is more than just an effort to expand our support for users and customers in the region. It means creating more opportunities, bringing technical solutions to help businesses, governments and society reach their goals, and working with communities to help them strengthen their digital skills”.

The post Google to spend $850M on Uruguay data centre appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a press release Nokia stated it will be the sole supplier of 5G networks and services, providing the necessary kit from its AirScale product line, including base stations, baseband units and massive MIMO radios.

The partners expect the availability of 5G to stir a “digital revolution” in Argentina, highlighting the network’s benefits in a number of industry verticals including manufacturing and oil and gas.

Claro Argentina’s CEO Julio Carlos Porras said 5G deployment will allow high-speed connectivity “to densely populated areas supporting citizens and enterprises alike”, and that it will “enable unprecedented levels of innovation and efficiency across various sectors”.

For the project, the pair explained they will also employ Nokia’s Interleaved Passive Active Antenna across Claro’s entire footprint.

The technology is a compact solution which Nokia claims eliminates the need for finding an additional space to implement 5G antennas, supporting a wide range of frequencies.

The agreement builds on an existing partnership between the companies, with Nokia supporting Claro with the deployment of previous networks.

“Claro Argentina has big plans for transforming Argentinian society through the deployment of 5G networks, and we are proud to support it as its strategic partner”, Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, commented.

Claro, owned by Mexico’s America Movil, is one of Argentina’s largest operators alongside Movistar and Telecom Argentina’s Personal.

The post Nokia, Claro to power Argentina with 5G appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Nokia highlighted TIM Brasil would take a range of equipment from its 5G offering including baseband units, massive MIMO radios and remote radio head products. This is alongside the vendor’s AI-toting network management system.

TIM Brasil CTO Marco Di Costanzo noted the deal was a “significant milestone” in its long-term partnership with Nokia, backing the latest network technology to “benefit industries and consumers with new services”.

The operator launched 5G in July 2022, starting with capital Brasilia followed by Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro.

As of end-June, its 5G network covered 353 cities with 87 added during Q2. At that point, 7.6 million of its 62 million connections used the technology.

In its financial presentation for the period, TIM Brasil claimed to be the market leader in 5G sites.

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Niel’s Atlas Investissement, through subsidiary Atlas LuxCo, increased its original offer to Millicom investors from $24 per share to $25.75 earlier this month. This would value the company at $4.4 billion and constituted what the suitor deemed a compelling price.

Having branded the first bid as too low, the operator group’s independent committee made similar comments about the increased sum.

In a statement on 9 August, Millicom noted the committee continued to believe “even at the revised offer price” it “significantly” undervalues the business, highlighting its original points around valuations based on the “trading multiples” of comparable companies.

It also cited what it deemed strong financial results for Q2, announced after the original approach by Niel’s company.

Atlas Investissement already controls around a 29 per cent share in Millicom, with its offer to buy the remainder scheduled to close on 16 August.

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In a statement the investment company’s subsidiary Atlas LuxCo explained the open offer to shareholders increased from $24 per share to $25.75. The revision reflects a 7.3 per cent increase over the initial offering, which the suitor claims is a “compelling” price.

Atlas is already Millicom’s largest shareholder with a 29 per cent stake, an investment it built up since 2022.

The revised bid delivers “even more value to [Millicom’s] shareholders”, wrote Atlas, adding the figure is above the highest share price reached in the two years to 22 May, the last day of trading prior to “speculation” around a potential public offer for the operator.

It disclosed its interest in purchasing Millicom on 1 July, noting at the time an aim to expand “the reach and capacity of Millicom’s networks and distribution capabilities to grow its customer base”.

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If approved by authorities, the resulting entity is expected to be 86 per cent owned by Liberty and its minority local partner, with Millicom holding the remaining 14 per cent, though the exact breakdown is subject to late adjustment.

Both companies own fixed operations in the market. Liberty also runs the country’s largest mobile operator (according to GSMA Intelligence figures) after buying Telefonica’s operation in the country in 2021.

In a joint statement, Liberty and Millicom claimed the combination would increase fibre competition and “promote high-quality, good value services and access to the digital economy for all Costa Ricans”.

Millicom chair Mauricio Ramos added the combination would “significantly benefit the telecommunications sector” noting it would “generate new efficiencies and improve commercial offerings, providing customers with access to mobile services and premium content.”

The deal is expected to close in H2 2025.

Prior to Liberty striking its Costa Rica mobile deal in 2021, Millicom had attempted to buy Telefonica’s operation in the country itself with the intention of creating a converged operator there.

However, Millicom controversially backed-out, citing problems getting regulatory approval, with Telefonica subsequently dragging the matter to court. The pair appear to have now buried the hatchet given the two announced talks earlier this week on a deal for Telefonica’s operation in Colombia.

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Alongside potentially purchasing Telefonica’s 67.5 per cent stake in the Colombian operator, Millicom plans to make an offer to buy out minority shareholders, which includes Colombia’s ministry of finance.

Should a deal go through Millicom then intends to merge Telefonica Colombia with its operation in the country, TigoUne.    

In a stock market statement on the talks Telefonica said the “potential transaction is subject to the signing of the definitive agreements” alongside obtaining regulatory approvals.

Millicom claimed in its statement the “proposed combined entity would rejuvenate Colombia’s telecom sector by forming a robust telecom entity with the necessary scale and financial capacity to support the significant network and spectrum investments required to achieve Colombia’s ambitious digital inclusion objectives”.

Results
News of Telefonica’s potential disposal in Colombia came as it separately released its group results for Q2 where revenue was up 1.2 per cent year-on-year to €10.3 billion with net profit €447 million, down from €462 million last year.

However, it noted when stripping out one-off items its net income would have been €653 million, up almost 44 per cent.

Across the period, the operator pointed to a “favorable performance” in its home market of Spain where it “grew in all the main segments: fixed broadband, mobile contract, television and convergent accesses”.

Discussing the business as a whole, Telefonica chairman and CEO Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete said “the customer base is larger and more satisfied with the service we provide. Telefónica is a more profitable and sustainable company, meeting the pillars of its GPS [Growth, Profitability and Sustainability] strategic plan”.

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The advice to reject the approach came as little surprise given the group made a pre-emptive statement ahead of the offer being tabled outlining a bid at that level would be insufficient.

In regulatory statements filed yesterday (15 July), the company indicated following discussions with financial advisers, the board’s committee had determined the offer of $24 per share significantly undervalues Millicom.

It explained the price did “not adequately take into account expectations based on Millicom’s long-range plan” and financial expectations moving forward. It added the bid was at a level “well below trading multiples for comparable listed companies”.

The group also noted the offer was below the share price at the time of release as well as the closing market price on what it defines as “certain other key dates”.

Atlas launched an offer for Millicom shares it does not already own at the start of the month through subsidiary Atlas Luxco, with the proposal available until 16 August.

Prior to tabling the proposal, it already held a 29 per cent stake.

On making its bid, Atlas described the price set as providing “compelling value” and “high transaction certainty” to Millicom shareholders.

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