Movistar Uruguay is testing 5G services over several base stations in different areas of the capital Montevideo, the company informed DPL News.

The mobile operator, which acquired 1×100MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band for USD28.05 million in May, said that once it has received authorisation, commercial 5G services will be launched at no additional cost to customers who have a compatible smartphone or device and are within network coverage areas.

Movistar’s 3.5GHz licence is valid for 25 years and rollout obligations include a requirement to deploy: 70 base stations within one year; at least two base stations in a minimum of ten or more departments (excluding Montevideo) within two years; and at least two base stations in each of the country’s 19 departments by the end of the third year.