Milei's government suspended Telecom's purchase of Telefónica

In a key decision for the telecommunications market, the Government of Javier Milei, through the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce of the Ministry of Economy, has issued a preventive measure that suspends the effects of the acquisition of Telefónica by Telecom.

According to the statement from the Office of the President, the decision is based on the recommendation of the National Commission for the Defense of Competition (CNDC), which warned about the impact the merger would have on market concentration and the risk of affecting free competition.

According to the CNDC's analysis, the operation would result in a market share of 61% in mobile telephony and 69% in fixed telephony.

Regarding residential internet service, the concentration could reach up to 80% in some areas of the country, which could create distortions in competition and affect the quality of service for users.

The Government of Javier Milei emphasized that the measure aims to ensure transparency and free market competition, thus protecting the rights of users and consumers.

"The process of evaluating the effects of the acquisition notified to the National Commission for the Defense of Competition requires maximum rigor, respecting the applicable regulations and international standards, given the relevance of telecommunications in today's world," stated the Government's communiqué.

The preventive suspension will remain in effect until the analysis of the operation is deepened and its real impact on the sector is determined.

With this decision, the libertarian administration seeks to prevent the creation of a de facto monopoly, caused thanks to decades of state subsidies, which could limit competition and harm consumers in terms of prices and quality of service.

"Through the measure, the National Government fulfills its obligation to guarantee the rights of users and consumers, as well as to defend competition against all forms of market distortion," concludes the communiqué.