Leading mobile operators Claro, Movistar and Personal as well as potential new entrant Arlink are looking to take part in Argentina’s upcoming 4G spectrum auction, reportedly scheduled for 31 October.
National telecoms regulator Secom will grant…
Leading mobile operators Claro, Movistar and Personal as well as potential new entrant Arlink are looking to take part in Argentina’s upcoming 4G spectrum auction, reportedly scheduled for 31 October.
National telecoms regulator Secom will grant concessions for nationwide 4G frequencies in the AWS and 700 MHz bands, as well as remaining 3G spectrum in the 1,900 MHz and 850 MHz bands.
Secom is in the process of reviewing the bidding proposals, it said in a statement yesterday.
Arlink, which is a subsidiary of multimedia conglomerate Grupo Uno, is reportedly looking to secure spectrum in the tender to offer quadruple-play services.
Argentina’s fourth largest operator, Nextel, will not take part in the bid. The company might soon be sold after its parent company, troubled US-based NII Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this week.
Last month, Fucata, a joint venture led by Argentine media conglomerate Grupo Veintitres, was reportedly trying to acquire Nextel Argentina before the end of October, when the auction is due to take place.
According to local media reports, Nextel Argentina is the only Nextel subsidiary which still does not have 3G technology, making it less attractive for investors. Securing 3G spectrum would have enabled it to expand its network coverage and turn it into a more viable operator.
Fucata recently acquired Nextel Chile for a reported US$35m.
