Mexican telecoms regulator, the IFT, has given the go-ahead to a spectrum swap between AT&T and Telefónica subsidiary Pegaso, as part of a package of reforms aimed at curbing the dominance of Carlos Slim’s América Móvil.
Mexican telecoms regulator, the IFT, has given the go-ahead to a spectrum swap between AT&T (NYSE:T) and Telefónica (BME:TEF) subsidiary Pegaso, as part of a package of reforms aimed at curbing the dominance of Carlos Slim’s América Móvil (NYSE:AMX).
The two operators may swap licensed blocks of spectrum in the 1.9 GHz and 1.7-2.1 GHz bands in six regions.
Pegaso, for its part, may lease AT&T the frequencies it swaps in the 1.9 GHz band.
Telefónica acquired Pegaso in 2002, while AT&T entered Mexico earlier this year through the acquisitions of Iusacell and Nextel.
The IFT has approved a shared national wireless network that will be run as a public-private partnership. Parties will be invited to register their interest in the tender as of 29 January 2016, the regulator said earlier this month.
Telefonica is meanwhile considering an IPO of its Mexican business, chief strategy and financial officer Ángel Vilá said in November. The telco was reported earlier this month to be reviewing a potential sale or spin-off of its towers in Spain, Latin America and Germany.
Elsewhere in Mexico, minnows Alestra and Axtel have agreed to merge, and América Móvil will spin off its tower business, Telesites, on 21 December.