CNT-Alegro merger complete; service bundles to be launched

The merger of struggling state-run mobile provider Telecsa (Alegro PCS) into Ecuador’s national fixed line telecoms operator Corporacion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CNT) has been completed. Marcelo Avendano, director at the loss-making cellco, announced that the first priority after merging is to expand Alegro’s network coverage, under a short-term investment budget of USD70 million and a medium-term CAPEX spending plan of USD120 million. Avendano added that the first benefit of the merger to Alegro’s 330,000 or so customers will be a reduction in tariffs, whilst several fixed and mobile services can now be bundled on one user bill. An official from state-owned CNT told news provider Ecuavisa that its customers will be offered fixed line packages that include mobile handset and calling offers, mobile internet services and, in the future, pay-TV subscriptions.