Uruguay reached 1.16 million fixed internet subscribers by the end of 2025, a 3.9% increase over the previous year, according to data from the Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones (Ursec). Fiber optic technology now powers 94% of these connections, resulting in 95 de cada 100 users accessing speeds exceeding 100 Mbps.
Fiber Optic Dominance and the Role of Antel
The Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Antel) continues to control the vast majority of the fixed broadband market. While the regulatory framework allows authorized pay-TV providers to offer fixed broadband, these private competitors have maintained a minimal footprint in the sector.
Starlink and Satellite Market Shifts
Satellite internet is carving out a specific niche in the Uruguayan landscape. Starlink has surpassed 10,000 subscribers, providing a critical alternative for rural areas where laying fiber optic cable remains cost-prohibitive.
The Decline of Pay-TV and Fixed Lines
Ursec reported 374,000 pay-TV subscribers, a drop of 66,900 users compared to the previous year. Current distribution for pay-TV is split between coaxial cable (53%) and satellite (45%).
Fixed telephony is similarly stagnant. There are 1.2 million active fixed lines, with nearly half concentrated in Montevideo and the remainder distributed across the interior. Public phone infrastructure has dwindled to just 625 operational public telephones nationwide.
Uruguay Connectivity Statistics at a Glance
| Service | Metric/Stat | Trend/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Internet | 1.16 Million Subscribers | ↑ 3.9% YoY growth |
| Internet Speed | 95 de cada 100 > 100 Mbps | Driven by 94% fiber adoption |
| Pay-TV | 374,000 Subscribers | ↓ 66,900 users YoY |
| Fixed Lines | 1.2 Million Lines | ~half located in Montevideo |
| Starlink | 10,000+ Subscribers | Expanding rural reach |