Dec 31, 1964 CE
Founding of Entel Chile
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones S.A. (Entel) is founded as a state-owned enterprise to develop and operate Chile's long-distance and international telecommunications infrastructure.
Chronological Storyline (37 Milestones)
1968 CE
First Microwave Network
Entel completes construction of Chile's first microwave telecommunications network, connecting Santiago with major cities, significantly improving national communications.
1974 CE
Satellite Earth Station
Entel inaugurates a satellite earth station in Longovilo, enabling international satellite communications, reducing reliance on submarine cables.
1985 CE
Privatization of Entel
The Chilean government sells 30% of Entel's shares to private investors, beginning the privatization process as part of economic reforms.
1988 CE
Full Private Ownership
Remaining state shares in Entel are sold, making the company fully private. Telecomunicaciones Chile (later acquired by Telefónica) and other investors become major shareholders.
1991 CE
Launch of Mobile Services
Entel launches its first mobile telephone service in Chile, initially using analog technology (AMPS), entering the cellular market.
1994 CE
Introduction of Digital GSM
Entel introduces digital GSM mobile technology, improving voice quality and enabling basic data services, becoming a leader in mobile innovation.
1995 CE
Listing on Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago
Entel's shares begin trading on the Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago (BCS) under ticker ENTEL, providing public access to ownership.
1996 CE
Launch of Internet Services
Entel launches dial-up internet services, expanding beyond telephony and becoming a major ISP in Chile.
1997 CE
Acquisition of CTC Intersat
Entel acquires CTC Intersat, a satellite communications company, strengthening its satellite services portfolio.
1999 CE
Merger with BellSouth Chile
Entel merges its mobile operations with BellSouth Chile, creating a larger mobile network with expanded coverage.
2000 CE
Launch of ADSL Broadband
Entel introduces ADSL broadband internet, offering high-speed connections to consumers and businesses.
2001 CE
Restructuring and Cost Reduction
Facing economic downturn, Entel implements a restructuring plan, reducing workforce and streamlining operations to improve profitability.
2002 CE
Launch of Prepaid Mobile
Entel launches prepaid mobile plans, expanding access to mobile services for lower-income segments and increasing market penetration.
2003 CE
Acquisition of Chilesat
Entel acquires Chilesat, a satellite communications provider, further strengthening its satellite and data services capabilities.
2004 CE
3G Mobile Launch
Entel launches 3G mobile services, enabling faster data speeds and mobile internet, positioning the company as a data leader.
2005 CE
Sale of Fixed-Line Business
Entel sells its fixed-line telephony operations to focus on mobile, data, and internet services, marking a strategic shift.
2006 CE
Partnership with Telefónica
Entel signs a roaming and infrastructure-sharing agreement with Telefónica Chile, improving coverage and service quality.
2007 CE
Launch of Fiber Optic Network
Entel begins deployment of a fiber optic network to deliver high-speed broadband to homes and businesses, investing in future-proof infrastructure.
2008 CE
Acquisition of Telsur
Entel acquires Telsur, a telecommunications company in southern Chile, expanding its regional presence and customer base.
2009 CE
Launch of Mobile TV Service
Entel launches mobile television services using DVB-H technology, allowing customers to watch TV on mobile devices.
2010 CE
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Launch
Entel rolls out fiber-to-the-home services in major cities, delivering ultra-fast broadband speeds up to 100 Mbps.
2011 CE
Start of 4G LTE Deployment
Entel begins deploying 4G LTE network, offering high-speed mobile data services to compete with other operators.
2012 CE
Commercial 4G Launch
Entel commercially launches 4G LTE services in Santiago, providing download speeds up to 150 Mbps.
2013 CE
Acquisition of GTD Group's Mobile Business
Entel acquires GTD Group's mobile telecom operations, adding customers and spectrum.
2014 CE
50th Anniversary
Entel celebrates 50 years of operations, reflecting on its evolution from state-owned monopoly to competitive private telecom leader.
2015 CE
Launch of Entel TV (IPTV)
Entel launches IPTV service, offering television over fiber optic, bundling with internet and phone.
2016 CE
Partnership with Universidad de Chile
Entel partners with Universidad de Chile to develop a 5G research lab, investing in next-generation technology.
2017 CE
Acquisition of Claro Chile's Mobile Business
Entel acquires Claro Chile's mobile operations, including customers and infrastructure, pending regulatory approval.
2018 CE
5G Trials Begin
Entel conducts Chile's first 5G field trials, demonstrating speeds over 1 Gbps.
2019 CE
Sales of Fiber Network to KKR
Entel sells a minority stake in its fiber network to KKR for $350 million, creating a joint venture to expand fiber coverage.
2020 CE
COVID-19 Response
Entel implements free data and voice services to support remote work and education during the pandemic, while network traffic surges.
2021 CE
Launch of 5G Commercial Services
Entel launches commercial 5G services in Chile, offering enhanced mobile broadband and low latency.
2022 CE
Acquisition of OnNet Fibra
Entel acquires OnNet Fibra, a fiber-optic network company, expanding its fiber footprint to reach more homes.
2023 CE
Appointment of New CEO: Juan José Cortés
Juan José Cortés takes over as CEO of Entel, succeeding Antonio Büchi, with a focus on digital transformation and efficiency.
2024 CE
Sale of Mobile Towers to KKR
Entel sells its mobile tower portfolio to KKR for $400 million, leasing back space to reduce debt.
2025 CE
Expansion of Fiber to Rural Areas
Entel extends fiber optic network to rural communities, bridging the digital divide with government subsidies.