📞 History of Telecommunications in Panama
🏛️ 80s and 90s - INTEL (National Institute of Telecommunications) – The Origin
Before the 90s, INTEL was the state-owned entity that controlled all telecommunications in Panama: landline, public payphones, and international calling.
💼 1997 – Privatization and the Arrival of Cable & Wireless
In 1997, the Panamanian government privatized INTEL.
The British company Cable & Wireless acquired a 49% stake in INTEL and took over operational control.
It became the main provider of landline and later mobile telephony under the name Cable & Wireless Panamá.
📺 Cable Onda and Its Early Days (1983)
Although many became familiar with it later, Cable Onda was founded in 1983.
It started as a cable television company in urban areas and later expanded its services to internet and residential landlines.
📱 2000 – BellSouth Enters the Mobile Market
BellSouth, an American company, entered the market with mobile phone service, offering direct competition to C&W in the mobile segment.
🇪🇸 2004 – Telefónica Buys BellSouth: Movistar Arrives
In 2004, Spain's Telefónica acquired all of BellSouth's operations in Latin America.
This marked the birth of the Movistar Panamá brand.
🌐 2000s – Telecarrier Emerges in the Corporate Market
A Panamanian company focused on dedicated internet and corporate data services.
It had a significant presence during the 2000s.
Over time, its presence faded, leaving behind only a minimal footprint, such as public payphones in Albrook Mall.
🇲🇽 2003 – Claro (América Móvil) Enters Panama
Mexico's América Móvil entered the country under the Claro brand, competing with Movistar, C&W, and later Digicel.
🇮🇪 2008 – Digicel Panamá Arrives
Irish-owned Digicel entered the country as a new mobile operator.
It focused on the prepaid market, aggressive promotions, and rural coverage.
At its peak, it offered the lowest calling rates in the market.
🔁 2018 – Tigo Acquires Cable Onda
The multinational Millicom, operating under the Tigo brand, acquired Cable Onda in 2018.
This gave birth to Tigo Panamá, offering cable TV, residential internet, landline, and mobile services.
🤝 2021 – Tigo Acquires Movistar Panamá
In 2021, Tigo Panamá (Millicom) acquired Movistar Panamá's operations.
This consolidated Tigo as a major provider of mobile, internet, and TV services for both home and mobile users.
The Movistar brand disappeared in Panama, and everything transitioned to Tigo.
🔚 2022 – Más Móvil Acquires Claro Panamá
In 2022, Más Móvil (the commercial brand of Cable & Wireless Panamá) acquired Claro.
This left only two major operators in the mobile market: Tigo and Más Móvil.
📴 2023 – Tigo Acquires Digicel Panamá
In 2023, Tigo Panamá also acquired Digicel, which was already facing financial difficulties.
Digicel exited the market, further strengthening Tigo as the country's second major mobile operator.
📊 Current Situation
Panama went from having more than 5 operators to just two major telecommunications giants:
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Más Móvil (Cable & Wireless + Claro)
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Tigo (Cable Onda + Movistar + Digicel)
