Uruguay Speed Test - Check Antel Fiber Internet Speed
Test your internet speed in Uruguay
Uruguay has a median fixed broadband download speed of 187 Mbps, placing it among the fastest in Latin America (Ookla, late 2025). Antel, the state-owned telecom, holds a near-total monopoly on fixed broadband and delivers fiber to over 80% of connected households. The country also ranks fourth globally for mobile download speeds at 75.6 Mbps. With 93% internet penetration across 3.5 million people, Uruguay stands as one of the most connected nations in South America. Test your connection to see how your Antel fiber or mobile speed compares to national benchmarks.
Internet in Uruguay
Uruguay's internet market is built around Antel (Administracion Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), a state-owned company that operates as the sole fixed broadband provider for most of the country. Antel serves over 1.1 million fixed broadband connections, with fiber making up more than 80% of those lines.
The mobile market has three operators: Antel (62% market share), Tigo (formerly Movistar, acquired by Millicom in October 2025 for $440 million), and Claro (America Movil, 16%). URSEC (Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones) regulates the sector.
In 2022, Uruguay ended the fixed internet monopoly by authorizing five private cable operators to offer broadband under URSEC oversight. Fixed broadband penetration sits at 88 per 100 households, the highest rate in Latin America.
Uruguay was also the first country in the region to deploy 5G commercially in 2023.
Three submarine cables land at Punta del Este (Maldonado): Tannat (Google/Antel, 90 Tbps capacity), Bicentenario (to Argentina, 2012), and Firmina (Google, 2024, direct link to the United States with 12 fiber pairs on the Uruguay branch). This international capacity positions the country as a regional connectivity hub.
Internet Infrastructure in Uruguay
Fiber Broadband
Antel's fiber network is built on GPON technology, covering more than 80% of households across all 19 departments. The company added 300,000 new fiber connections in 2025 and plans to reach every town with more than 500 inhabitants by end of 2026. Residential fiber plans range from 400 Mbps download to 1 Gbps download.
Mobile Networks
XGS-PON upgrades for 10 Gbps capacity are in planning stages. Uruguay's fixed broadband base totals roughly 1.14 million connections as of mid-2025, with Antel holding about 94% of that market. Mobile infrastructure spans 4G LTE and 5G across all three operators.
Antel launched 5G on the 3.5 GHz band in 2023 and activated base stations in all 19 departmental capitals by September 2023. The company reached 300 live 5G sites by mid-2024 and targeted 500 by early 2025.
5G coverage reaches roughly 25% of the population in 2025, with projections of 99% by 2030. Antel invested $43 million in 5G deployment during 2023 alone. Tigo (formerly Movistar) and Claro operate 4G LTE networks but have not yet launched standalone 5G services.
Fiber Broadband
International connectivity runs through three submarine cable systems landing at Playa Mansa in Maldonado. The Tannat cable (2017) connects Uruguay to Brazil and Argentina with six fiber pairs and 90 Tbps total capacity. Google owns four pairs and Antel owns two.
The Bicentenario cable (2012) links to Las Toninas, Argentina. The Firmina cable (2024) provides Uruguay's first direct submarine connection to the United States, running 14,517 km from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with 12 fiber pairs on the Uruguay branch. Alcatel Submarine Networks built the Tannat system.
Cable Broadband
SubCom built Firmina. These cables give Uruguay international bandwidth that far exceeds domestic demand, supporting its position as a data transit point between North and South America.
Internet Speed: Urban vs Rural Uruguay
Urban Areas
Montevideo and its metropolitan area hold roughly half of Uruguay's population and receive the best connectivity. Antel fiber covers virtually all addresses in the capital with speeds from 400 Mbps to 1 Gbps. All three mobile operators offer 5G in Montevideo.
Multiple cable operators now compete for fixed broadband customers in the capital following the 2022 market opening. Median speeds in Montevideo exceed the national average.
Interior departments receive progressively lower speeds and fewer options. Major cities like Salto, Paysandu, and Maldonado have fiber coverage from Antel and 4G/5G from all three mobile operators.
Rural Areas
Smaller towns of 500 or more inhabitants are targets for Antel's fiber expansion through 2026. Rural areas outside towns rely on Antel's 4G mobile broadband or fixed wireless from providers like Dedicado, which uses Cambium and WiMAX technology. Starlink has begun attracting rural subscribers where Antel fiber has not yet arrived.
The speed gap between Montevideo and remote rural areas can be 10x or more, though the fiber expansion programme is steadily narrowing this difference.
Internet Providers & Speed in Uruguay
Antel dominates Uruguay's internet market across both fixed and mobile segments. For fixed broadband, Antel holds about 94% of the 1.14 million connections. The company offers fiber plans from 400 Mbps download (1,590 UYU per month, roughly $38) to 1 Gbps download (4,195 UYU, roughly $100). All plans include unlimited data.
Antel also
Antel also operates the country's only significant mobile network with 62% of mobile subscribers. Its 5G network is the most advanced in the country.
Tigo Uruguay (formerly Movistar) became the second-largest mobile operator after Millicom completed its $440 million acquisition of Telefonica Moviles del Uruguay in October 2025. The brand transition from Movistar to Tigo is ongoing.
Tigo holds roughly 22% of mobile subscribers and operates a 4G LTE network. Claro (America Movil) serves the remaining 16% of mobile subscribers with 4G coverage in urban and suburban areas.
Dedicado
Dedicado is the main private wireless ISP, serving customers in areas where Antel fiber has not reached. It uses Cambium fixed wireless technology and previously operated WiMAX. Five cable television operators received authorization in 2022 to offer broadband internet, breaking Antel's fixed-line monopoly.
These include Monte Cablevideo, Cablevision Uruguay, and Nuevo Siglo. Their market share remains small but growing, particularly in Montevideo and larger cities.
Internet Speed by Region in Uruguay
Montevideo Metropolitan
Home to 1.8 million people (51% of population). Full Antel fiber coverage with 400 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans. All three mobile operators offer 5G. Highest density of 5G base stations. Cable operators entering the market post-2022. Median speeds exceed 200 Mbps. Montevideo ranks second globally for mobile download speed.
Canelones and Southern Coast
Second-largest department by population (600,000+). Strong Antel fiber coverage in suburban areas near Montevideo. Cities like Las Piedras, La Costa, and Pando have full fiber access. 4G and 5G coverage from Antel. Speeds typically match Montevideo levels in urban zones.
Interior Departments (Salto, Paysandu, Rivera)
Major interior cities have Antel fiber with 400-600 Mbps typical. 5G available in department capitals since 2023. Smaller towns receiving fiber through the 2025-2026 expansion. Rivera on the Brazilian border benefits from cross-border mobile competition. Rural areas between towns rely on 4G or fixed wireless.
Eastern Coast (Maldonado, Punta del Este)
Tourism hub with strong infrastructure. Punta del Este hosts all three submarine cable landing stations. Antel fiber covers the urban core. Seasonal population surges during summer (December-February) can affect mobile speeds. Maldonado department has 180,000+ permanent residents with fiber access.
Internet Pricing in Uruguay
Antel fiber plans are priced in Uruguayan pesos (UYU). The entry-level Fibra Basico plan offers 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload at 1,590 UYU per month (approximately $38 USD). Mid-tier plans provide 600 Mbps download for around 2,500 UYU ($60 USD). The top-tier 1 Gbps plan with 300 Mbps upload costs 4,195 UYU ($100 USD). All plans include unlimited data with no caps.
At Uruguay's median household income of approximately $1,200 USD per month, entry-level broadband represents about 3.2% of household income. This is higher than the OECD average but reasonable for Latin America. Mobile data plans from Antel, Tigo, and Claro range from 500 to 2,000 UYU per month depending on data allowances.
Prepaid mobile data is available from all three operators. The 2022 market opening allows cable operators to offer competing fixed broadband, though Antel's pricing has remained stable due to its scale advantages and state backing.
Network Technology in Uruguay
Uruguay leads Latin America in fiber-to-the-home adoption. Over 80% of fixed broadband connections use fiber, compared to a regional average below 40%. Antel's GPON network passes more than 82% of households.
The company added 300,000 fiber connections in 2025 and targets full coverage of towns with 500+ inhabitants by end of 2026. 5G adoption is growing from a base of roughly 900,000 subscribers in 2025, projected to reach 4 million by 2030. Plan Ceibal, launched in 2007, gave every public school student a laptop and connected all public schools to the internet.
The programme distributed 450,000 devices in its first four years and continues to operate. Plan Ibirapita (2015) extended digital access to low-income pensioners. These programmes created a digitally literate population that drives high broadband adoption rates.
How to Choose an ISP in Uruguay
Several factors determine the best provider at your address in Uruguay. Check coverage, compare pricing, and test speeds before signing a contract.
Select an Antel fiber speed tier
Antel is the primary fixed broadband option in most locations. Choose from 400 Mbps at 1,590 UYU, 600 Mbps at roughly 2,500 UYU, or 1 Gbps at 4,195 UYU. All tiers include unlimited data.
Check fiber availability at your address
Visit antel.com.uy and enter your address to confirm coverage. For households with remote work needs, the 600 Mbps or higher plan is recommended for better upload speeds.
Compare alternative fixed providers in your area
In Montevideo and larger cities, cable operators authorized in 2022 may offer alternative fixed broadband. Compare pricing and speed guarantees before switching from Antel. Dedicado offers fixed wireless in areas without fiber, though speeds are typically lower than fiber.
Choose a mobile provider
Antel delivers the fastest speeds (59-88 Mbps download) and widest 5G coverage. Tigo (formerly Movistar) and Claro offer competitive 4G pricing but slower average speeds (27-31 Mbps). If you travel across departments frequently, Antel's 5G coverage in all 19 capitals gives it an advantage.
Run a speed test to compare your actual performance against Uruguay's national median of 187 Mbps for fixed broadband or 75.6 Mbps for mobile.
Compare Internet Providers in Uruguay
The table below shows top providers by connection type and maximum advertised speed.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Antel | fiber | 1000 Mbps |
Test Your Connection Speed
Run a speed test to verify your Uruguay provider delivers advertised speeds. Test during peak evening hours for the most accurate results.
Internet Providers in Uruguay
Compare internet speeds across major providers in Uruguay. Click on a provider to test your connection.
Uruguay Speed Test FAQ
How do I test my internet speed in Uruguay?
Click the Start Test button on this page to measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. For the most accurate results, connect your device directly to your Antel fiber modem using an ethernet cable. Close background applications and streaming services before testing. If you are on mobile, test in an area with strong signal. Compare your results against Uruguay's national median of 187 Mbps download for fixed broadband. Testing during peak evening hours (8pm-11pm UYT) gives you a realistic picture of typical performance. Repeat the test at different times of day to identify patterns.
What is the average internet speed in Uruguay?
Uruguay's median fixed broadband download speed is 187 Mbps as of late 2025, according to Ookla data. This places Uruguay among the top performers in Latin America. Upload speeds average around 30-40 Mbps on most Antel fiber plans, though the 1 Gbps tier offers 300 Mbps upload. Mobile internet averages 75.6 Mbps download, making Uruguay fourth globally for mobile speeds. Antel's mobile network leads with 59-88 Mbps, followed by Tigo at 27 Mbps and Claro at 31 Mbps. Actual speeds vary by location, plan tier, and time of day. Montevideo typically exceeds the national average while interior departments may fall slightly below.
Why does Uruguay only have one fixed broadband ISP?
Antel is a state-owned telecom company that held a legal monopoly on fixed-line telecommunications for decades. Uruguayan law reserved wired broadband to the state until 2022. That year, URSEC authorized five private cable television operators to offer broadband internet, partially opening the market. However, Antel still controls approximately 94% of fixed broadband connections because its fiber network is already built and covers more than 80% of households. Private cable operators are competing mainly in Montevideo and larger cities. Building a competing fiber network against an entrenched state provider with nationwide coverage is not economically viable for most private companies. For mobile broadband, the market has three operators: Antel, Tigo, and Claro.
Is fiber available outside Montevideo?
Yes. Antel has deployed fiber in all 19 department capitals and most cities with populations above a few thousand. The company added 300,000 new fiber connections in 2025 and plans to complete fiber deployment to every town with more than 500 inhabitants by the end of 2026. Cities like Salto, Paysandu, Maldonado, Rivera, and Colonia all have Antel fiber with speeds up to 1 Gbps. The main gaps are in small rural settlements and isolated areas where fixed wireless or mobile broadband serves as the primary connection. Fiber coverage outside Montevideo has expanded rapidly since 2020, and most urban residents in the interior now have access to 400 Mbps or faster plans.
How much does internet cost in Uruguay?
Antel fiber plans start at 1,590 UYU per month (approximately $38 USD) for 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload. A mid-range 600 Mbps plan costs around 2,500 UYU ($60 USD). The top-tier 1 Gbps plan with 300 Mbps upload is 4,195 UYU ($100 USD). All plans include unlimited data with no caps or throttling. Mobile data plans from Antel, Tigo, and Claro range from 500 to 2,000 UYU per month depending on data allowance. Prepaid options are available from all three operators. At median household income levels, entry-level broadband represents about 3.2% of monthly income. Prices have remained relatively stable due to Antel's state ownership and scale.