The debate surrounding the acquisition of Telefónica Argentina entered the regulatory panel discussion held this morning. Alejandro Quiroga López, Director of Regulatory and Institutional Affairs for Claro Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, warned: “The deal has not yet been finalized. In Buenos Aires, the acquisition involves the other mobile operator, and the only mobile competitor with fiber. This is an issue that will need a resolution. There is no market in Latin America with only two mobile operators.”

In response, Hernán Colombo, Head of Regulation and Wholesale Business at Telecom, clarified that the transaction “is under review, in the appropriate process, and reflects a trend we’re seeing across the industry.”

Responding to Claro’s concerns, the Telecom executive added: “I find América Móvil’s selective concern over this transaction surprising, as it aligns with consolidation trends seen in other markets.”

He urged against “comparing apples and oranges.” As he later told Convergencia after the panel, “There’s a difference between the organic growth of a company and the elimination of an operator. Globally, we’re seeing markets shift from four to three operators, not from three to two. It’s a challenging task for the authorities.”

Enacom’s acting head, Juan Martín Ozores, was asked for his position on the deal, but chose not to comment. “It’s more interesting to hear the perspectives of private players on the issue,” he said.