This week Honduras’ telecoms regulator Conatel has invited companies to participate in an auction of LTE spectrum.
The two blocks up for sale are in the 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, while a third has been reserved for state-owned incumbent…
This week Honduras’ telecoms regulator Conatel has invited companies to participate in an auction of LTE spectrum.
The two blocks up for sale are in the 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, while a third has been reserved for state-owned incumbent Hondutel.
Quoted in local newspaper El Heraldo, the president of Conatel Ricardo Cardona said that approximately 10 foreign companies, as well as local operators, have expressed an interest in participating.
Spain’s Telefonica is reported to be on that list, alongside the two main local players: Millicom-controlled Tigo; and America Movil subsidiary Claro.
More details regarding the auction are expected to be published later this week.
Honduras has three wireless players following Claro’s acquisition of Digicel’s operations two years ago. Tigo and Claro are the main players leaving Hondutel trailing with 2% of customers.
The government has been looking to part-privatise the mobile arm of Hondutel, which requires significant investment, but so far a deal with a new, likely foreign investor has yet to come to fruition.
Experts previously suggested to TelecomFinance that the government will struggle to dispose the stake for the asking price of at least US$75m, especially given that it has not been willing to give up a controlling stake.
