Nokia and Corporación Nacional de Telecomunicaciones E.P. (CNT E.P.), Ecuador's national telecommunications operator, have officially launched the country's first commercial 5G network, marking a major step in its digital transformation. Powered by Nokia's 5G technology, the network delivers speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps—10 times faster than 4G—and ultra-low latency, enabling seamless streaming, rapid downloads and reliable connectivity for more Ecuadorians. The rollout will pave the way for new digital services and innovation in strategic areas such as virtual education, telemedicine, smart cities, connected mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Building on CNT's current 4G network, the deployment includes 188 5G sites in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, and other regions as Samborondón, Daule, Durán, Manta, Portoviejo, Salinas, and Santa Elena, operating in the N78, 3.5 GHz band. This initiative supports the Ecuadorian government's digital transformation policy and was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Telecommunications and the Information Society to expand access to high-speed coverage nationwide by mid-2026, enabling a more inclusive and sustainable digital society.