In the realm of telecommunications, evolution is a constant. The ability to adapt and innovate is what separates the leaders from the followers. This is a narrative exemplified by the odyssey of one businessman, Mario López Estrada, whose journey from Guatel to Tigo has left an indelible mark on the telecommunications landscape in Guatemala. A saga of calculated risks, strategic moves, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
López Estrada’s story is not just about business success, but also about a vision for a connected future. His decisions have shaped the telecommunications sector in Guatemala, and his legacy continues to impact the industry.
The Journey: From Guatel to Tigo
Mario López Estrada began his telecommunications odyssey at Guatel, the state-operated telephone company. His leadership transformed the telecommunications infrastructure in Guatemala, expanding phone lines and enhancing connectivity to promote digital inclusion. Later, as the Minister of Communications, he spearheaded significant structural changes, including the duplication of four-lane highways, increased paved roads, and the opening of new routes. This not only improved the quality of life for many Guatemalans but also extended the reach of telecommunications.
His foray into the private sector came with the co-founding of Tigo. Tigo transformed the telecommunications landscape in Guatemala, offering greater accessibility to telecommunications services. Under López Estrada’s guidance, Tigo introduced the first customer service and call centers in 1996, implemented the TDMA network in 1999, improving service coverage and capacity.
Innovation and Social Responsibility
López Estrada’s innovation didn’t stop with accessibility and infrastructure. He also drove Tigo to diversify its services, ensuring integrated solutions of telephony, internet, and television, becoming essential elements for households across the country. Tigo was the first mobile telephony company in Guatemala to offer 3G and 4G services, pioneering in mobile internet and internet television.
Beyond technological advancement, López Estrada championed corporate social responsibility. In 2005, Tigo launched the Tigo Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social development in Guatemala.
His influence extends to the next generation, as his son, Mario López Pérez, employs the lessons learned from his father, such as honesty, justice, and discipline in business, in addition to a commitment to constant improvement.
Mario López Estrada’s journey through telecommunications has seen him navigate through state monopolies, industry deregulation, and technological innovation. His legacy is one of vision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to progress. His decisions, from the expansion of phone lines to the diversification of services, have shaped the telecommunications sector in Guatemala.
This narrative is not just about one man’s success but a testament to the transformative power of telecommunications. It underscores the potential of this sector to impact lives, bridge gaps, and foster growth. As we navigate the digital age, López Estrada’s journey from Guatel to Tigo serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and the importance of vision in driving progress.