Colombia’s telecoms regulator Mintic has received submissions from six companies for participation in its 4G LTE auction, scheduled for 26 June.
Through the auction it will sell eight AWS licences in the 2.5GHz and 1.9GHz bands.
The local arm of US…
Colombia’s telecoms regulator Mintic has received submissions from six companies for participation in its 4G LTE auction, scheduled for 26 June.
Through the auction it will sell eight AWS licences in the 2.5GHz and 1.9GHz bands.
The local arm of US DTH provider DirecTV; SAS Avantel; Millicom-controlled Tigo Colombia; America Movil-owned Claro; Telefonica’s local unit; and a Mexican consortium led by television giant Grupo Salinas have all made submissions.
The companies allowed to participate in the auction will be revealed next month.
Mintic and Ane – the National Spectrum Agency – previously said two licences will be reserved for new entrants to the market. The bodies also stipulated that Carlos Slim’s Claro – which holds more than 60% of the mobile market –will only be allowed to bid for spectrum in the 2.5GHz band. This frequency requires more capex to cover wider areas as it demands a greater number of base stations. The licences will come with build-out requirements and coverage commitments.
The asymmetrical regulation, which imposes restrictions on America Movil, follows significant pressure exerted by Colombian senators who successfully delayed the auction last autumn as they were worried it would lead to further consolidation in the market.
