El Salvador, though a relatively small and niche market, is highly stable and denominated in U.S. currency, making it attractive to tower companies and international investors.
El Salvador - telecom market statistics Q1 2025
In a landmark move, El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as an official currency in 2021, signalling its commitment to digital innovation and investment. The current government is actively promoting further digitalisation initiatives.
In early 2022, El Salvador’s competition agency approved the sale of Telefónica’s operations to General International Telecoms, averting market consolidation and maintaining competition among four active mobile network operators: Tigo, Digicel, Movistar, and Claro. Both Digicel and Tigo have previously sold towers in El Salvador, with Digicel selling over 200 sites to Phoenix Tower International in 2017, and Tigo selling around 800 sites to SBA Communications in 2018.
América Móvil has consolidated its presence through Sites, which operates nearly 1,200 sites in El Salvador alongside SBA Communications, Phoenix Tower International, and Torrecom. In December 2022, El Salvador’s regulator SIGET launched a public tender for mobile spectrum in the 1755MHz-1770MHz/2155MHz-2170MHz frequency range, responding to Telefonica’s (Movistar) request. Movistar has commenced the deployment of its 5G-ready mobile network in September 2022, with plans to invest approximately USD 280 million to cover over 95% of the population by 2023.
Meanwhile, Tigo continues to expand its 4G and LTE-A services, aiming to reach over 90% of the population, following a USD 500 million investment commitment in digital infrastructure by 2025. In October 2024, Millicom
El Salvador- estimated tower ownership Q1 2025
In El Salvador, SBA Communications’ acquisition of Lati’s telecom towers, expected to finalise by mid- 2025, marks a crucial step in modernising the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Lati, operating under Millicom’s Tigo brand, has been instrumental in expanding network coverage across the region, particularly in more rural areas. With this acquisition, SBA aims to utilise its global expertise to enhance connectivity and roll out next-generation technologies such as 5G. The deal also includes a long-term leaseback arrangement, ensuring Tigo continues its operations on these sites while benefitting from SBA’s infrastructure improvements. This transaction is anticipated to enhance mobile service quality, broaden coverage, and support El Salvador’s efforts towards digital transformation.
