Colombia has auctioned off AWS and 2.5GHz spectrum licences to five companies for a total of Ps770bn (US$400m).
America Movil-owned incumbent wireless operator Claro acquired 30MHz in the 2.5GHz band for US$62m.
As part of the transaction Claro has…
Colombia has auctioned off AWS and 2.5GHz spectrum licences to five companies for a total of Ps770bn (US$400m).
America Movil-owned incumbent wireless operator Claro acquired 30MHz in the 2.5GHz band for US$62m.
As part of the transaction Claro has signed up to provide coverage in 660 municipalities and distribute 310,000 tablets to poor students across Colombia.
Due to its 60% share of the wireless market legislators blocked Claro from acquiring AWS licences, restricting it to bid for the higher frequency which requires more capital expenditure to build out as it demands a greater number of base stations.
Telefonica, which operates as Movistar, acquired licences in the AWS band as did Tigo Colombia, majority-owned by Millicom. Movistar shelled out US$103m while Tigo spent US$102m, according to a government statement. Tigo is required to cover 144 municipalities and Movistar has to provide services to 255, and they are both required to distribute a number of tablets to children.
Business and state-focused telco Avantel, a smaller player, also acquired an AWS licence buying a reserved block for US$55m.
DirecTV was the final winner. The DTH broadcaster bought a 30MHz block and a reserved 40MHz block – both in the 2.5GHz band – for a total of US$77m.
The only registered bidder to not acquire any licences was Azteca 4G, part of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas.
