Overview of WOM
WOM is a telecommunications operator in Chile and Colombia, known for its innovative services and competitive pricing. Chilean WOM and Colombian WOM are independently operated entities controlled by different investors. Chilean WOM is the third-largest mobile operator in Chile, with a mid-2023 market share of approximately 21.5%, ranking behind Movistar (25.7%) and Entel (32.9%), with around 8 million users. Colombian WOM was founded in 2021 by the UK's Novator Partners, acquired Avantel in 2022, and was acquired by SUR Holdings in January 2025 to avoid liquidation.
On the IoT side, WOM sells M2M connectivity over its 4G and 5G networks. WOM Chile entered US Chapter 11 in 2024, left the process in March 2025 under new shareholders, and kept the service running.
Basic Information of WOM
- WOM Chile: The third-largest mobile operator, about 8 million users, 21.5% market share
- WOM Colombia: Founded in 2021, acquired Avantel in 2022, acquired by SUR Holdings in 2025
- Chile restructuring: Filed for Chapter 11 in 2024, obtained $100 million financing from JPMorgan, completed exit in March 2025
- Colombia: Filed for bankruptcy protection in April 2024, lost about 1.46 trillion pesos in 2022
- First-year investment: WOM Colombia invested about $706 million in the first year, creating over 2,300 jobs
- Network Types: 4G LTE, 5G NR
- Features: Innovative pricing, targeting young users, digital services
Development History and Milestones
WOM Chile entered the Chilean telecom market as a challenger, quickly gaining users through aggressive pricing and digital services, achieving a 10% year-on-year user growth in Q1 2023. In 2024, WOM Chile filed for U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, obtained $100 million financing from JPMorgan, and completed restructuring and exited bankruptcy in March 2025, taken over by new shareholders.
Colombia WOM was founded by the British investment company Novator Partners in 2021 and acquired Avantel in August 2022. In its first year, the company invested about $706 million, creating over 2,300 jobs. In April 2024, Colombia WOM filed for bankruptcy protection, and in January 2025, SUR Holdings acquired the company to avoid liquidation, with a restructuring agreement of about 3.2 billion pesos (approximately $796 million). In July 2025, after the trademark licensing agreement between Chile WOM and Colombia WOM expired, Chile WOM filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Colombia WOM.
Core Technical Capabilities
Innovative Pricing
Competitive data plan prices, attracting young users and SMEs
4G/5G network
4G/5G coverage in major cities of Chile and Colombia
Digital services
App-first, online channels, self-service
Youth positioning
Targeted at young users and price-sensitive customers
Network standards and coverage
| Technical Standard | Coverage Area | Use Cases | Development Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | Major cities in Chile and Colombia | Mainstream IoT Connection | Main Network |
| 5G NR | Major cities | High-speed mobility | Construction and expansion |
Industry Solutions
WOM mainly targets the consumer market, providing basic M2M connectivity services in the IoT field, suitable for SMEs, retail POS, trackers, and other scenarios. For large-scale or critical business IoT deployments, it is recommended to also evaluate mature operators such as Entel, Movistar, and Claro.
Competitive Advantages and Considerations
- Price Advantage: Data plan pricing is competitive, suitable for cost-sensitive IoT applications
- Third in Chile: About 21.5% market share in Chile, network covers major areas
- Restructuring Completed: Chilean WOM completed bankruptcy restructuring in 2025, operations stable
- Colombia: still operating after the SUR Holdings acquisition; integration is not finished
- Note: WOM in Chile and Colombia are independent entities, cross-national IoT needs separate coordination