Telecommunications in Buenos Aires

Internet Providers

Arnet: http://www.arnet.com.ar/homepage.do
Fibertel:  http://www.fibertel.com.ar/
Speedy: http://www.speedy.com.ar/no-clientes/

I use Fibertel and love them.  The service is impeccable; when I needed a service call they were here within 24 hours.  The wait time to get connected is typically 3 days or less.  And they run tech support 24/7.

As to cellular plans, I use Claro as they had the best price and plan for unlimited internet and a new Blackberry.  Personally, I prefer the service of Movistar, but their rates and services for smart phones are not as good as Claro.  Were I to ever go back to a regular phone, I would switch back to Movistar.  Personal is the other carrier, and probably superior to Claro, except again with smart phone costs and internet plans.  A good second choice to Movistar if all you want is a voice and SMS plan.

Claro: http://www.claro.com.ar/portal/car/
Movistar: http://www.movistar.com.ar/
Personal: http://www.personal.com.ar/

As to making long distance calls there are only two decent options:

Skype or a VoIP system.  I have used Vonage for over 4 years and love their service and rates.  I pay roughly USD 40- per month for unlimited calling to around 60 countries to include cell phones in all of North America and several other places AND I have a virtual Buenos Aires landline number on that same account.

Hi,
I'm loking to just get a cheap cell phone(I don't want internet,etc)just for local calls while I'm in Argentina. I'm leaving my family one of my cell phones that costs nothing but the minutes on it already to call me at any landline in Argentina that I'm at.Can you suggest a carrier???
lol
LisaAnn

Lisa Ann, they are all pretty much the same with the exception that cellulars from Claro are a bit cheaper.  However, unless you have a DNI you cannot purchase a plan or get a phone at a reasonable rate from a cell phone company.  Your best bet if you lack proper documentation is to find a place selling used phones and get a chip from a street vendor to activate it.  Your other option would be to post a request on the forum for a used one and see if anyone has one for sale.  If you need assistance finding a place selling used phones as here, while at the same time posting what part of town you live in or spend time in and I can help you out.