Choosing a mobile operator can be an important factor when traveling to a new country. In Chile, three main operators are vying for customers: Claro, Movistar, Entel, and WOM. Each claims to have the best network coverage, plans, and services. But how do they compare? Let’s take a closer look at what each company brings to the table.
Table of Contents
I. List Of Mobile Operators In Chile
Chile has three major national mobile operators. They provide balanced options. They are upgrading networks from 4G to 5G for higher speeds nationwide:
1. Main Mobile Operators in Chile
a. Entel
Entel is the largest mobile operator in Chile with nearly 9 million subscribers. It was the first mobile carrier in Chile and has the best nationwide coverage. Entel uses 3G, and 4G LTE networks.
b. Movistar
Owned by Telefónica, Movistar is the second largest operator with around 8 million subscribers. It offers 3G, 4G, and limited 5G services. Movistar has a strong presence in major cities.
c. Claro
Claro Chile is part of the América Móvil group. It has over 6 million subscribers across 3G and 4G networks. Claro coverage focuses more on urban areas.
d. WOM
WOM is owned by Novator Partners LLP. As of 2021, WOM had over 6 million mobile subscribers and offered 3G, 4G, and limited 5G services.
The four major mobile operators in Chile are Entel, Movistar, Claro, and WOM. These companies offer reliable mobile connectivity across the country. However, recent industry evaluations show that Entel has a small technical advantage over the others in terms of network capabilities. Consumers in Chile benefit from having a choice between these large national cellular providers.
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Chile
In addition to the three major carriers, there are some smaller MVNOs in Chile:
- VTR Móvil: Uses Movistar’s network under an MVNO arrangement and specializes in low-cost prepaid plans.
- Virgin Mobile: A subsidiary of Entel operating as an MVNO with youth and student-focused plans.
- Netline: Small MVNO using Entel’s network with an emphasis on low-cost international calling options.
II. How To Choose The Best Mobile Operators In Chile
👉 Key points
Coverage and speeds: Check operators’ coverage maps to see which has the best signal reach for your usage – Entel tends to lead in rural areas. Speeds vary so test data connections when possible.
Pricing plans: Calculate total monthly costs – Chilean carriers don’t subsidize phones so you pay separately for devices and service plans based on data, calling texts.
Customer service: Ask friends and readers for operator reviews. Also, check companies’ stores and support channels for responsiveness. Good customer service can provide value over the long term.
Contracts: Decide if you want prepaid flexibility or postpaid contract pricing. Understand all conditions and restrictions before signing anything.
Roaming: If traveling, some operators offer better international roaming packages and reduced rates in nearby countries. But always check the specifics of the deals before using your phone abroad.
By balancing these aspects you can determine the mobile operator in Chile that best aligns with your connectivity requirements and budget.
III. Best Mobile Operators In Chile – Detailed Comparison
Let’s conduct a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the four major mobile operators in Chile.
Based on the analysis, there are some comparisons between the major mobile networks in Chile:
- Movistar achieved the strongest overall scores across most metrics like speed, availability, and performance. However, the differences were small.
- Claro did particularly well for games experience while Entel led on upload speeds.
- All operators delivered fast, reliable nationwide 4G networks with ongoing improvements.
So in summary, while Movistar had a slight edge overall, the differences between Entel, Claro, and Movistar in Chile are small, as all deliver high-quality mobile experiences according to OpenSignal metrics.
Below are some basic comparisons of service plans from the four carriers Entel, Claro, Movistar, and WOM.
| Package | Data | Validity | Price ($) |
| 600 MB | 600 MB | 2 days | $ 0.52 |
| 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | 3 days | $ 1.03 |
| 4 GB | 4 GB | 7 days | $ 2.59 |
| 10GB | 10 GB | 30 days | $ 4.14 |
| 20GB | 20 GB | 30 days | $ 8.28 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited data | 1 day | $ 0.92 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited data | 3 days | $ 2.58 |
| Unlimited | Unlimited data | 7 days | $ 5.47 |
Entel offers a variety of plans for tourists․ Tourists need these fundamental plans for their trips. If you need more options, Movistar can be considered.
| Package | Data | Validity | Price ($) |
| Starter SIM | 2GB, 100 mins | 7 days | $2.07 |
| Bolsa Duplica 4GB | 4GB, 400 mins | 7 days | $2.06 |
| Bolsa Duplica 6GB | 6GB, 600 mins | 10 days | $3.09 |
| Bolsa Duplica 10GB | 10GB, 500 mins | 30 days | $7.24 |
| Bolsa Prepago 3GB (1 day) | 3GB, 200 mins | 1 day | $0.62 |
| Bolsa Prepago 3GB (3 days) | 3GB, 200 mins | 3 days | $1.24 |
| Bolsa Prepago 5GB (7 days) | 5GB, 200 mins | 7 days | $2.28 |
| Bolsa Prepago 5GB (10 days) | 5GB, 200 mins | 10 days | $3.63 |
| Bolsa Prepago 7GB | 7GB, 400 mins | 30 days | $5.17 |
| 1 day unlimited package | Unlimited data and mins | 1 day | $1.03 |
Among these service providers, Movistar has the most widespread network reach including even isolated rural regions. Moreover, you can consider Claro’s plan:
| Package | Data | Validity | Price ($) |
| 75 MB | 75 MB | 1 day | $0.26 |
| 200 MB | 200 MB | 1 day | $1.03 |
| 750 MB | 750 MB | 3 days | $1.03 |
| 1.5 GB | 1.5 GB | 3 days | $1.55 |
| 2 GB | 2 GB + 100 local mins | 7 days | $3.10 |
| 2 GB | 2 GB + 200 local mins + 10 mins international calls | 5 days | $5.17 |
| 2 GB | 2 GB + 200 local mins + 20 mins international calls | 15 days | $3.10 |
| 3 GB | 3 GB + 250 local mins | 10 days | $5.17 |
| 5 GB | 5 GB + 300 local mins | 15 days | $7.25 |
| 7 GB | 7 GB + 400 local mins | 30 days | $7.25 |
| 9 GB | 9 GB + 500 local mins | 30 days | $10.34 |
The last mobile operator is WOM. Here is WOM’s plan:
| Package | Data | Validity | Price ($) |
| Tourist SIM | 3GB | 10 days | $25 |
| Prepaid SIM | 1GB | 7 days | $10 |
| Prepaid SIM+ | 2GB | 14 days | $15 |
| 1GB Daily | 1GB | 1 day | $3 |
| 3GB Weekly | 3GB | 7 days | $12 |
| 5GB Monthly | 5GB | 30 days | $20 |
| 10GB Monthly | 10GB | 30 days | $30 |
Considering price, data quota and geographical coverage of a field operation area Entel prepaid SIM cards seem to be the best option for most tourists visiting Chile. Since providers can provide connectivity at manageable prices.
IV. Where To Buy SIM Cards from Mobile Operators In Chile?
There are a few convenient options to purchase SIM cards from mobile operators in Chile:
1. Airport Outlets
In Chile, SCL airport often has stores or kiosks from operators selling travel/tourist SIMS perfect for visitors.
2. Operator Retail Stores
The major carriers like Entel, Movistar, WOM and Claro have branded stores in most towns and malls where you can buy new or replacement SIM cards along with data/voice plans. Bring your passport as ID proof. Many stores also sell unlocked phones.
3. Online Purchases
All the mobile operators like Entel and Movistar provide online purchasing abroad to 100+ countries. They offer convenient online sign-up of data plans. Not the cheapest but simpler for newly arriving visitors.
V. Do Mobile Operators In Chile Offer eSIM?
Most mobile operators offer eSIM but it is not currently available for prepaid users. As a Chile visitor, consider using an eSIM from esimchile.net – one of the top eSIM providers in Chile which provides different eSIM plans for any traveling goals. Here’s what makes esimchile.net stand out:
Variety & Flexibility: Choose among a wide array of data packages that are best suited for your goals.
Multiple Network Coverage: They take care of the technical aspect by collaborating with the main major mobile operators in Chile, so that visitors can get a fast and reliable connection during their Chile experience.
Top-notch Customer Service: They offer 24/7 customer support so you can get assistance if needed.
Affordable Prices: Their local SIM cards are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money.
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
VI. FAQs
Can tourists get long-term SIM card plans in Chile?
Yes, visitors can opt for month-to-month plans from Chilean carriers rather than just short-validity prepaid packs. You may need to provide passport details and local contact information. Longer-term plans often work out cheaper.
Do mobile networks cover Chile’s remote regions?
Parts of Chile like Patagonia or the Atacama have limited terrestrial coverage. Satellite operator Iridium offers portable WiFi hotspots to provide connectivity in remote areas of Chile. Some marine SIM card options also exist for ships and boats off the Chilean coast.
Which mobile operator has the fastest data speeds in Chile?
OpenSignal’s latest report lists Entel as having Chile’s fastest average LTE download speeds at about 25 Mbps. Movistar and Claro deliver speeds of 15-20 Mbps typically, still fast enough for most needs.
Which Chile operator is best for international roaming?
Entel has favorable roaming rates in Peru and Argentina making it a good choice if also visiting Chile’s neighboring countries. Movistar in turn has roaming partnerships covering most of South, Central, and North America.
VII. Conclusion
Choosing a mobile operator in Chile requires comparing coverage, speeds, and pricing between Entel, Movistar, and Claro while factoring in your connectivity priorities. Remote roughness favors Entel but Movistar leads in cities and urban locales. Claro lags on network reach but leads on costs while MVNOs provide low-cost niches.
Consider using eSIM plans from esimchile.net with affordable plans for the best Chile experience!
