Ecuador's Telecom Regulatory Authority (ARCOTEL) formally authorised deployment of 5G NR networks in the n78 band on 21 November 2025, with the state telecom company CNT EP the first to launch commercial service. ARCOTEL has also begun issuing official network access approvals for 5G mobile devices supporting the band, marking the country's entry into the 5G era.

Network deployment under way

In early November 2025 ARCOTEL formally approved deployment of 5G NR technology in the n78 band (3400-3500 MHz). As the first authorised operator, CNT EP has started offering commercial 5G services to users.

CNT is rolling out its network in phases, having launched first in major cities with a plan to extend nationwide and reach national coverage by mid-2026. Industry sources indicate that the other two major operators, Claro and Movistar/Tigo, are expected to start their own 5G deployments in the coming weeks.

Device certification in parallel

Although ARCOTEL has not issued an official announcement on the subject, certification work is already effectively under way. Since 13 November 2025 ARCOTEL has been issuing telecom terminal equipment type approval certificates for compliant 5G devices.