Changes: Uruguay

Revision as of 22:26, 14 February 2020

Basics

Operators and frequencies

Uruguay has 3 mobile operators:

Antel (state-owned)
Movistar (by Telefónica)
Claro (by América Móvil)

Coverage and speed are pretty good for Latin American standards. But frequencies are very diverse. While Antel has 2G and 3G on "European bands", Movistar and Claro use "American frequencies". In 2017 new spectrum was auctioned to all three operators to be used for 4G/LTE, see table below:

Operator	2G (EDGE)	3G (HSPA+)	4G (LTE+)
Antel	1800 MHz	850, 2100 MHz	700, 1700 MHz (B 4, 28)
Movistar	850, 1900 MHz	850, 1900 MHz	700, 1700, 1900 MHz (B 2, 4, 28)
Claro	1900 MHz	1900 MHz	700, 1700 MHz (B 4, 28)

Legal requirements

You can now use your own device together with a Uruguayan SIM card registering at a kiosk or store when you buy the card. Previously, the device was required to be declared at customs. This is no longer obligatory. For purchasing a Uruguayan SIM card in a shop, you must still show your passport (in original as any copies are not accepted) and formerly had to give a local address, which is also not mandatory anymore.

Antel

Antel stands for Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, the state-owned, national provider of telecommunication. It has a monopoly for landlines, but on mobile networks, it competes with Movistar and Claro. Still, it's the market leader with 53% of all cellular customers and the best network in the country: 2G/3G/4G Coverage Map (change systems on top right). 3G now covers about 90% of population. 4G/LTE started in 2011 and is available for prepaid without surcharge, but is more limited so far.

Availability

Their prepaid SIM card is called Chip Prepago and available for $ 65 containing a $ 200 credit in their shops and sales outlets: Antel Shop Locator.You can buy a SIM card in an Antel shop in Montevideo airport, right after you exit customs.

Recharges can be made there and everywhere where you spot the Antel logo, including Redpagos, Abitab and HoyJuega. Top-ups have a life from 5 to 120 days according to top-up amount. Incoming calls expire 180 days after a 30-day top-up and 365 days after a 60-day top-up.

WhatsApp is free when you top up at least $ 140 every omnth.

Top-ups

Since 2018, their money and data balances are merged, so top-ups can be used for calls, SMS and data with no further action:

Price	Data	Time	Renewal	Activation
$ 50	3 GB	24 hours	once-off	DIA
$ 165	3 GB	7 days	once-off	SEMANA
$ 140	700 MB	30 days	once-off	top-up
$ 165	1 GB	30 days	recurring	ALTA TOTAL
$ 200	1 GB	60 days	once-off	top-up
$ 300	1.5 GB	90 days	once-off	top-up
$ 500	2.5 GB	120 days	once-off	top-up

To check data balance text SALDO to 226. For activation text code to 226. To stop recurring bundles, text BAJA TOTAL to 226.

Tourist SIM

Antel released tourist SIM cards that are sold exclusively to visitors in their stores. You will need to show your foreign passport. These starter options are sold:

1 GB for 1 day (= 24 hours): $ 150
40 GB for 7 days: $ 1000
LTE WiFi Hotspot router and 40 GB for 7 days: $ 2900

For more data you can top-up and add their usual packages.

More info

APN: antel.lte
Username and password: BAM
Website in Spanish: http://www.antel.com.uy

Movistar

Movistar by Spanish Telefónica is the second provider in the country with a 34% share. It has good coverage on "American" frequencies (see above). 3G coverage is about 50%, 4G/LTE has started in Montevideo and is given out for free when you have a 4G SIM card. 2G/3G/4G coverage map.

Availability

Their prepaid SIM card is called Movistar Prepago and available in their shops and sales outlets: Movistar Shop Locator You can order online (Pedí tu chip) to an Uruguayan address. The delivery is free, but the SIM costs $ 60 (discounted on first recharge).

Recharges can be made there and everywhere, where you spot the Movistar logo. You can send a free SMS to 944 with the word DONDE and they text you the nearest locations. Top-ups are $ 20 to $ 1000 giving 7-90 days of credit depending on value.

Their Chip prepago offers discounted rates to certain Movistar numbers (according top-up), no data included. Minimum top-up: $ 50 in 15 days. Free WhatsApp is included.

Data feature packs

Internet is by default on the daily rate: 40 MB per calendar day (until 11.59 pm) for $ 18.

For more data, you should choose combo packages: Auto-renewed options called Preplan: with unlimited mins and SMS on-net for 7 days. Activation on Movistar Uruguay website or by "Mi Movistar" app:

Preplan Super : 3 GB, 25 mins,100 SMS off-net: $ 235 for 7 days;
Preplan Ultra: 4 GB, 40 mins, 150 SMS off-net: $ 335 for 7 days.

Dúo Semanal: 6 GB daytime + 12 GB at nightime, 50 mins on-net, $ 169 for 7 days
Dúo Música: 6 GB daytime + 12 GB nightime, free "Movistar Música" app traffic, $ 179 for 7 days
Dúo XL: 12 GB daytime + 30 GB nighttime; $ 280 for 7 days - no auto-renewal!

Another not auto-renewed options are called Paquetes de Compra Puntual with data and on-net calls:

Data	on-net Voice	Time	Price	Activation
3 GB	100 mins	5 days	$ 120	5 DIAS
3 GB	100 mins	10 days	$ 190	10 DIAS
3 GB	100 mins	15 days	$ 230	15 DIAS
3 GB	100 mins	20 days	$ 300	20 DIAS

To activate, download app "Mi Movistar" or text code to 888.

More info

APN: webapn.movistar.com.uy
Username and password: movistar
Website in Spanish: http://www.movistar.com.uy

Claro

Claro by Mexican América Móvil is the smallest network in the country on "American" frequencies (see above) and a 13% market share. 4G started in 2014 in Montevideo and has spread to other towns. Better check their 2G/3G/4G coverage map.

Availability

The prepaid SIM card called "Chip Claro Tajetero" is sold for $ 40 with lots of bonuses in kiosks and their shops. Claro Shop Locator .

Top-ups can be made there from $ 20-300 valid from 3 to 21 days respectively. For top-ups they give out heavy data bonuses:

top-up $100-190: 100 MB for 7 days
top-up >$200: 200 MB for 10 days

To check your balance, enter *888 or send an empty SMS to 888. Free WhatsApp is included.

Data rate

Internet beyond the data bonuses is on the daily rate: 100 MB per calendar day (until 11.59 pm) for $22. Using more than 100 MB per day, the rate is $0.90 per MB.

Data packages - need activation (prices in pesos uruguayos):

Price	Data	Validity
$ 40	1 GB	1 day
$ 110	3 GB	3 days
$ 90	2 GB	5 days
$ 100	1 GB	7 days
$ 120	2 GB	7 days
$ 150	3 GB	7 days
$ 190	3 GB	10 days
$ 220	3 GB	20 days

To activate, dial *989# or access claro.com.uy/packs. All packages include free WhatsApp traffic, 1 GB extra free YouTube and 1 GB extra for "Free Fire" game/app.

More info

APN: internet
Username: ctiweb
Password ctiweb999

Website in Spanish: http://www.claro.com.uy

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 * '''Movistar '''(by Telefónica)
 * '''Claro '''(by América Móvil)
-Coverage and speed are pretty good for Latin American standards. But frequencies are very diverse. While Antel has 2G and 3G on "European bands", Movistar and Claro use "American frequencies":
+Coverage and speed are pretty good for Latin American standards. But frequencies are very diverse. While Antel has 2G and 3G on "European bands", Movistar and Claro use "American frequencies". In 2017 new spectrum was auctioned to all three operators to be used for 4G/LTE, see table below:
-{| class="article-table" style="width: 500px; height: 100px;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
+{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
 ! scope="col" |Operator
-! scope="col" |2G (GPRS, EDGE)
+! scope="col" |2G (EDGE)
-! scope="col" |3G (UMTS, HSPA+)
+! scope="col" |3G (HSPA+)
-! scope="col" |4G (LTE)
+! scope="col" |4G (LTE+)
 |-
 |Antel
 |1800 MHz
 |850, 2100 MHz
-|1700 MHz
+|700, 1700 MHz (B 4, 28)
 |-
 |Movistar
 |850, 1900 MHz
 |850, 1900 MHz
-|1900 MHz
+|700, 1700, 1900 MHz (B 2, 4, 28)
 |-
 |Claro
 |1900 MHz
 |1900 MHz
-|1700 MHz
+|700, 1700 MHz (B 4, 28)
 |}
 ==== '''Legal requirements''' ====
-You can now use your own device together with a Uruguayan SIM card registering at a kiosk or store when you buy the card. Previously, the device was required to be declared at customs. This is no longer obligatory. For purchasing a Uruguayan SIM card in a shop, you must still show your passport (in original as copies are not accepted) and formerly had to give a local address, which is also not mandatory anymore.
+You can now use your own device together with a Uruguayan SIM card registering at a kiosk or store when you buy the card. Previously, the device was required to be declared at customs. This is no longer obligatory. For purchasing a Uruguayan SIM card in a shop, you must still show your passport (in original as any copies are not accepted) and formerly had to give a local address, which is also not mandatory anymore.
 == '''Antel''' ==
 [[File:Antel logo.jpg|thumb|184x184px]]
-Antel stands for ''Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones'', the state-owned, national provider of telecommunication. It has a monopoly for landlines, but on mobile networks, it competes with Movistar and Claro. Still, it's the market leader with 53% of all cellular customers and the best network in the country: [http://www.antel.com.uy/empresas/movil/cobertura 2G/3G/4G Coverage Map]. 3G covers about 90% of population. 4G/LTE started in 2011 and is available for prepaid without surcharge, but limited to the city centers so far
+Antel stands for ''Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones'', the state-owned, national provider of telecommunication. It has a monopoly for landlines, but on mobile networks, it competes with Movistar and Claro. Still, it's the market leader with 53% of all cellular customers and the best network in the country: [http://www.antel.com.uy/empresas/movil/cobertura 2G/3G/4G Coverage Map] (change systems on top right). 3G now covers about 90% of population. 4G/LTE started in 2011 and is available for prepaid without surcharge, but is more limited so far.
 ==== '''Availability''' ====
-Their prepaid SIM card is called Chip Prepago and available for $ 65 containing 512 MB and 500 domestic SMS for 30 days in their shops and sales outlets: [http://www.antel.com.uy/antel/contacto/movil/antel---centros-comerciales Antel Shop Locator].You can buy a SIM card in an Antel shop in Montevideo airport, right after you exit customs.
+Their prepaid SIM card is called Chip Prepago and available for $ 65 containing a $ 200 credit in their shops and sales outlets: [https://www.antel.com.uy/web/portal/centros-comerciales-y-tiendas Antel Shop Locator].You can buy a SIM card in an Antel shop in Montevideo airport, right after you exit customs.
+Recharges can be made there and everywhere where you spot the Antel logo, including Redpagos, Abitab and HoyJuega. Top-ups have a life from 5 to 120 days according to top-up amount. Incoming calls expire 180 days after a 30-day top-up and 365 days after a 60-day top-up.
+WhatsApp is free when you top up at least $ 140 every omnth.
-Recharges can be made there and everywhere, where you spot the Antel logo for $ 1-1000 extending SIM life from 5 to 120 days according to top-up amount. Check balance by *77 for a $1 fee.
-==== '''Data feature packs''' ====
+==== '''Top-ups''' ====
+Since 2018, their money and data balances are merged, so top-ups can be used for calls, SMS and data with no further action:
-There is no internet without bundles. So after activation you must top-up and choose one of these data bundles:
-{| class="article-table" style="width: 550px; height: 100px;" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
+{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"   "
 ! scope="col" |Price
 ! scope="col" |Data
 ! scope="col" |Time
+!Renewal
-!Plan
 ! scope="col" |Activation
 |-
-|$ 30
+|$ 50
 |3 GB
 |24 hours
 |once-off
-|DIA 30
+|DIA
 |-
-|$ 100
+|$ 165
-|1.5 GB
+|3 GB
 |7 days
 |once-off
+|SEMANA
-|BAM 100
 |-
-|$ 100
+|$ 140
-|500 MB
+|700 MB
 |30 days
 |once-off
+|top-up
-|100
 |-
-|$ 100
+|$ 165
-|600 MB
+|1 GB
 |30 days
 |recurring
-|ALTA MES 100
+|ALTA TOTAL
 |-
 |$ 200
-|1.75 GB
+|1 GB
-|30 days
+|60 days
 |once-off
+|top-up
-|200
 |-
-|$ 200
+|$ 300
-|2 GB
+|1.5 GB
-|30 days
+|90 days
+|once-off
-|recurring
+|top-up
-|ALTA MES 200
+|-
+|$ 500
+|2.5 GB
+|120 days
+|once-off
+|top-up
 |}
-For activation text code to 226. To check data balance text SALDO to 226. To stop recurring bundles, text BAJA MES <###> to 226.
+To check data balance text SALDO to 226. For activation text code to 226. To stop recurring bundles, text BAJA TOTAL to 226.
 ==== '''Tourist SIM''' ====
-In 2017 Antel released two tourist SIM cards that are sold exclusively to visitors in their stores. You will need to show your foreign passport. These two starters are sold:
+Antel released tourist SIM cards that are sold exclusively to visitors in their stores. You will need to show your foreign passport. These starter options are sold:
-* 1 GB for 1 day (24 hours): $ 150
+* 1 GB for 1 day (= 24 hours): $ 150
 * 40 GB for 7 days: $ 1000
+* LTE WiFi Hotspot router and 40 GB for 7 days: $ 2900
 For more data you can top-up and add their usual packages.
-==== '''More Info''' ====
+==== '''More info''' ====
 * APN: antel.lte
 * Username and password: BAM
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.antel.com.uy
 == '''Movistar''' ==
 [[File:Movistar-0.jpg|thumb|313x313px]]
-Movistar by Spanish Telefónica is the second provider in the country with a 34% share. It has good coverage on "American" frequencies (see above).  3G coverage is about 50%, 4G/LTE has just started in Montevideo and is given out for free when you have a 4G SIM card. [https://www.movistar.com.uy/servicios/otros/4g-lte 2G/3G/4G coverage map.]
+Movistar by Spanish Telefónica is the second provider in the country with a 34% share. It has good coverage on "American" frequencies (see above). 3G coverage is about 50%, 4G/LTE has started in Montevideo and is given out for free when you have a 4G SIM card. [https://www.movistar.com.uy/servicios/otros/4g-lte 2G/3G/4G coverage map.]
 ==== '''Availability''' ====
-Their prepaid SIM card is called Movistar Prepago and available in their shops and sales outlets: [http://www.movistar.com.uy/Particulares/AtencionAlCliente/LocalesMovistar/Locales.aspx Movistar Shop Locator]  Recharges can be made there and everywhere, where you spot the Movistar logo. You can send a free SMS to 944 with the word DONDE and they text you the nearest locations. Top-ups are $ 120-500 giving 30-90 days of credit. The following starter packs are offered:
+Their prepaid SIM card is called Movistar Prepago and available in their shops and sales outlets: [http://www.movistar.com.uy/Particulares/AtencionAlCliente/LocalesMovistar/Locales.aspx Movistar Shop Locator] You can order online (''Pedí tu chip'') to an Uruguayan address. The delivery is free, but the SIM costs $ 60 (discounted on first recharge).
-* '''Chip prepago Amigos''': with discounted rates to certain Movistar numbers, no data included, start-up price $ 60, minimum top-up: $ 120 in 30 days
-* '''Chip prepago TOTAL''': with included voice, text and data, start-up price: $ 60
-** 200 MB, 200 mins/SMS to Movistar, 5 mins/SMS to others, minimum top-up: $ 75 for 7 days
-** 250 MB, 250 mins/SMS to Movistar, 8 mins/SMS to others, minimum top-up: $ 95 for 7 days
-** 450 MB, 450 mins/SMS to Movistar, 10 mins/SMs to others, minimum top-up: $ 145 for 15 days
-** 1 GB, 1000 mins/SMS to Movistar, 15 mins/SMS to others, minimum top-up: $ 295 for 30 days
-* '''Chip prepago XD''': for free, top-ups need to be done online by credit card:
-** 250 MB, 25 domestic mins, minimum top-up: $ 69 for 7 days
-** 1 GB, 100 domestic mins, mimimum top-up: $ 229 for 30 days
-To activate, type *123#, to change tariff lines call *333.
+Recharges can be made there and everywhere, where you spot the Movistar logo. You can send a free SMS to 944 with the word DONDE and they text you the nearest locations. Top-ups are $ 20 to $ 1000 giving 7-90 days of credit depending on value.
+Their'' Chip prepago'' offers discounted rates to certain Movistar numbers (according top-up), no data included. Minimum top-up: $ 50 in 15 days. Free WhatsApp is included.
 ==== '''Data feature packs''' ====
+Internet is by default on the daily rate: 40 MB per calendar day (until 11.59 pm) for $ 18.
-Default rate for all lines is the internet by day rate: 25 MB per day for $11.90 up to 23:59 hrs. For more data, you should choose a combo package called ''Paquete Prepago'':
-{| style="width: 500px; height: 100px;" class="article-table" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
+For more data, you should choose combo packages: Auto-renewed options called ''Preplan'': with unlimited mins and SMS on-net for 7 days. Activation on Movistar Uruguay website or by "Mi Movistar" app:
-! scope="col" |Data
+* ''Preplan Super'' : 3 GB, 25 mins,100 SMS off-net: $ 235 for 7 days;
-! scope="col" |on-net Voice and SMS
+* ''Preplan Ultra:'' 4 GB, 40 mins, 150 SMS off-net: $ 335 for 7 days.
+* ''Dúo'' ''Semanal: ''6 GB daytime + 12 GB at nightime, 50 mins on-net, $ 169 for 7 days
+* ''Dúo Música:'' 6 GB daytime + 12 GB nightime, free "Movistar Música" app traffic, $ 179 for 7 days
+* ''Dúo XL: ''12 GB daytime + 30 GB nighttime; $ 280 for 7 days - no auto-renewal!
+Another not auto-renewed options are called ''Paquetes de Compra Puntual ''with data and on-net calls:
+{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" ;   "
+! scope="col" |Data
+! scope="col" |on-net Voice
 ! scope="col" |Time
 ! scope="col" |Price
+!Activation
 |-
-|250 MB
+|3 GB
-|250 mins + 250 SMS
+|100 mins
 |5 days
-|$ 59
+|$ 120
+|5 DIAS
 |-
-|350 MB
+|3 GB
-|350 mins + 350 SMS
+|100 mins
-|7 days
+|10 days
-|$ 99
+|$ 190
+|10 DIAS
 |-
-|500 MB
+|3 GB
-|500 mins + 500 SMS
+|100 mins
 |15 days
-|$ 119
+|$ 230
+|15 DIAS
 |-
-|1 GB
+|3 GB
-|1000 mins + 1000 SMS
+|100 mins
-|30 days
+|20 days
-|$ 199
+|$ 300
+|20 DIAS
-|}
+|}To activate, download app "Mi Movistar" or text code to 888.
-To subscribe, enter *222#, text price in $ to 888 or go online.  Voice and SMS includes only minutes and texts to Movistar. The packages are recurrent. To stop, text BAJA and the activation code to 888. To check balance, text SALDO to 222.
-==== '''More Info''' ====
+==== '''More info''' ====
 * APN: webapn.movistar.com.uy
 * Username and password: movistar
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.movistar.com.uy
 == '''Claro''' ==
 [[File:Claro-0.jpg|thumb|195x195px]]
-Claro by Mexican América Móvil is the smallest network in the country on "American" frequencies (see above) and a 13% market share. 4G has started in 2014 in Montevideo and spread to 2 other towns. So make check network, before you buy a SIM card or check their [http://www.claro.com.uy/portal/uy/sc/personas/movil/cobertura-nacional/ 2G/3G/4G coverage map.]
+Claro by Mexican América Móvil is the smallest network in the country on "American" frequencies (see above) and a 13% market share. 4G started in 2014 in Montevideo and has spread to other towns. Better check their [http://www.claro.com.uy/portal/uy/sc/personas/movil/cobertura-nacional/ 2G/3G/4G coverage map.]
 ==== '''Availability''' ====
-The prepaid SIM card called "''Chip Claro Tajetero"'' is sold for $ 40 with lots of bonuses and freebies in kiosks and their shops. [http://www.claro.com.uy/wps/portal/uy/sc/personas/asistencia-soporte/centros-de-atencion Claro Shop Locator] . Top-ups can be made there from $ 20-300 valid from 3 to 21 days respectively. For top-ups they give out heavy data bonuses:
+The prepaid SIM card called "''Chip Claro Tajetero"'' is sold for $ 40 with lots of bonuses in kiosks and their shops. [http://www.claro.com.uy/wps/portal/uy/sc/personas/asistencia-soporte/centros-de-atencion Claro Shop Locator] .
-* top-up $70-99: 100 MB for 15 days
+Top-ups can be made there from $ 20-300 valid from 3 to 21 days respectively. For top-ups they give out heavy data bonuses:
-* top-up $100-149: 200 MB for 30 days
-* top-up $150-199: 300 MB for 30 days
+* top-up $100-190: 100 MB for 7 days
-* top-up $200-299: 400 MB for 30 days
+* top-up >$200: 200 MB for 10 days
+To check your balance, enter *888 or send an empty SMS to 888. Free WhatsApp is included.
-* top-up $500-: 500 MB for 30 days
-To check your balance, enter *888 or send an empty SMS to 888.
 ==== '''Data rate''' ====
-Internet beyond the data bonueses is on the daily rate: 50 MB per calendar day (until 11.59 pm) for $15. Using more than 50 MB per day, the rate is $0.30 per MB.
+Internet beyond the data bonuses is on the daily rate: 100 MB per calendar day (until 11.59 pm) for $22. Using more than 100 MB per day, the rate is $0.90 per MB.
 Data packages - need activation (prices in ''pesos uruguayos''):
@@ Line 176: / Line 189: @@
 !Data
 !Validity
-!Activation
 |-
-|$ 15
+|$ 40
-|200 MB
-|24 hours
-|200MEGA
-|-
-|$ 20
-|unlimited
-|2 hours
-|2HORAS
-|-
-|$ 30
 |1 GB
-|24 hours
+|1 day
-|1GIGA
-|-
-|$ 50
-|1 GB
-|3 days
-|3DIAS
 |-
-|$ 70
+|$ 110
 |3 GB
 |3 days
-|3GIGA
 |-
-|$ 70
+|$ 90
 |2 GB
 |5 days
+|-
-|5DIAS
+|$ 100
+|1 GB
+|7 days
 |-
 |$ 120
+|2 GB
+|7 days
+|-
+|$ 150
 |3 GB
 |7 days
-|7DIAS
-|}
-To activate, text code to 454. The packs can be ordered on "MiClaro Web" too. In July 2017, two promotional data packs are available for activation only in "MiClaro Web" ('<nowiki/>''promo del mes'''):
-{| class="article-table"
-!Price
-!Data
-!Validity
 |-
-|$ 40
+|$ 190
 |3 GB
-|3 days
+|10 days
 |-
-|$ 80
+|$ 220
 |3 GB
-|7 days
+|20 days
 |}
+To activate, dial *989# or access claro.com.uy/packs. All packages include free WhatsApp traffic, 1 GB extra free YouTube and 1 GB extra for "Free Fire" game/app.<nowiki/>
-==== '''More Info''' ====
+==== '''More info''' ====
 * APN: internet
 * Username: ctiweb
@@ Line 235: / Line 230: @@
 * Website in Spanish: http://www.claro.com.uy
 [[Category:America]]
-[[Category:7/17]]
+[[Category:2/20]]
+[[Category:Country]]