vtr com
If you've ever tried to stream your favorite show, join a Zoom call, and upload a file at the same time—only for everything to crash—you know why internet service in Chile is a hot topic. VTR has been a major player in that story. But where do they stand now?
What Exactly Is VTR.com?
VTR (Vía Trans Radio Comunicaciones SpA) is a Chilean telecom company offering internet, cable TV, landline, and mobile services. It’s been around for decades but became a household name in the early 2000s when it started bundling services into what most people now call "Triple Pack": internet + TV + landline.
In Chile, that was a big deal. Having all three services from one provider simplified billing and support. And back then, competitors were still stuck offering one-off solutions.
Internet That Mostly Keeps Up
VTR’s core service is home internet. It uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. In plain English: it’s not full fiber yet, but it does better than legacy copper lines. Speeds can go up to 940 Mbps in some areas, but as always, “up to” is the keyword. Actual speed depends on your address.
In central Santiago or Viña del Mar, speeds hold up reasonably well even during peak hours. But in suburban or rural areas, that coaxial backbone starts showing its limits. The latency can spike during evenings, and upload speeds rarely match download, which matters for creators or remote workers uploading large files.
VTR claims it’s expanding its FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) footprint. If that happens at scale, expect less throttling and better stability. But right now, only a fraction of users have access to full fiber.
Their TV Game Isn’t What It Used To Be
VTR was once the king of cable TV in Chile. It offered hundreds of channels, premium add-ons like HBO, and early access to digital decoders. But like everywhere else, cable is fading.
Streaming is where people live now. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max—those are the real competitors. VTR tried to counter with its own on-demand platform, VTR Play. It works. But it’s not doing anything groundbreaking. It’s mostly a bonus for people already using their services, not a reason to sign up.
In short, their cable offering is still there, still polished, but it’s no longer the crown jewel.
Mobile: Yes, They Do That Too
VTR jumped into mobile with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) model, piggybacking off other carriers' infrastructure. Eventually, they launched their own plans with data bundles, device sales, and portabilidad (number portability).
Most users don’t think of VTR when they think of mobile. It’s a secondary brand, not a primary telco. Claro, WOM, Entel, and Movistar dominate. But for people who already use VTR at home, bundling a mobile plan gets them discounts and sometimes “equipos a costo cero” (free devices on long-term plans).
Still, the mobile speeds and coverage aren’t industry-leading. They’re fine. Not frustrating, not amazing.
Ownership Shakeup: Liberty Latin America, Then América Móvil
Until mid-2025, VTR was part of Liberty Latin America. Then, América Móvil—yes, the telecom giant behind Claro—bought out Liberty’s stake and took over the joint venture known as ClaroVTR.
Now, VTR is under América Móvil’s control. That could mean better infrastructure and more integration across mobile and fixed services. But it also means more consolidation, and fewer unique options in the market.
The transition is still fresh. The real impact—faster rollout of fiber, or tighter bundles between mobile and home internet—will become clear in the next 12 to 18 months.
Customer Service: Let’s Be Real
No telecom provider is universally loved. VTR is no exception. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, they got hammered with complaints: slow speeds, outages, support delays. Their customer satisfaction scores tanked.
They’ve since rebuilt part of their backend and customer service model. There’s now more self-service through the VTR App, more digital billing, and easier portabilidad. But real-time human support? Still hit or miss, depending on the time of day.
If you can handle your issues through the app or website, the experience is fine. But if your modem dies on a Sunday afternoon, expect a wait.
What About Prices?
VTR’s pricing is middle of the road. Not the cheapest. Not the most expensive. Internet-only plans start around $20,000 CLP/month (~$22 USD), while full triple packs can climb above $50,000 CLP depending on channel options and speed.
Mobile plans are similar. Entry-level postpaid starts around $8,000 CLP, and top-tier plans with devices can cross $30,000 CLP.
The company frequently pushes discounts if you bundle two or more services. But read the fine print—some promos lock you into 12- or 18-month terms with penalties for early cancellation.
Is VTR Right for You?
It depends. If you're in a zone with strong coverage, and you want everything under one provider—VTR is a solid pick. The Triple Pack saves money, and the ecosystem (apps, billing, support) is streamlined.
But if you're deep into gaming, heavy uploads, or real-time work like streaming or trading—VTR’s coaxial backbone might frustrate you unless you have FTTH. That’s where newer providers like Mundo Pacífico or Entel Fiber often outperform.
FAQ
Who owns VTR now?
As of mid-2025, VTR is fully owned by América Móvil, the parent company of Claro. They bought out Liberty Latin America’s stake in the ClaroVTR joint venture.
Does VTR offer fiber internet?
Yes, but not everywhere. In some zones, they still rely on hybrid coaxial. True fiber (FTTH) is being expanded gradually.
Can I port my mobile number to VTR?
Absolutely. VTR supports full portabilidad, and they often run promotions where porting in comes with discounted plans or free devices.
Is VTR internet fast?
It can be. In fiber-ready areas, speeds up to 940 Mbps are available. In coaxial-only zones, it’s usually slower and more affected by peak-hour congestion.
What’s the VTR App for?
The app lets you monitor usage, pay bills, report issues, and manage services. It’s a must-have if you’re a VTR customer—customer service relies heavily on digital channels.
Final Take
VTR isn’t perfect, but it’s relevant. It has legacy weight, bundles that save cash, and the backing of a telecom powerhouse. If you’re in a fiber zone, it’s worth a look. If not, make sure you’re not trading convenience for performance.
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