Colombia’s ICT ministry Mintic has launched a public consultation on the proposed tendering of the 700MHz, 1,900MHGz, and 2,500MHz bands, which the government plans for the fourth quarter for 4G use.
Comments can be sent to the e-mail subastaespectro@mintic.gov.co until July 31.
In April, Mintic published a resolution asking for expressions of interest in participating in tenders for the three bands. Some 75MHz would be tendered in the 700MHz and 1,900MHz bands.
Minister Sylvia Constaín has said the government prioritizes improving 4G coverage before looking to 5G.
However, spectrum agency ANE published in April a draft document on 5G for which it is proposing to tender spectrum in low (600, 700MHz), medium (1-6GHz, 3.4GHz, 3.5GHz, and 3.6GHz) and high bands (24.25-86GHz.)
In June, Mintic launched a public consultation on its 5G plan, giving interested parties until July 18 to send comments to plan5G@mintic.gov.co and saying they will be invited to participate in pilot tests in the second half.
President Iván Duque has promised to double broadband coverage to 100% by the end of his term in 2022 and is pushing for national 5G coverage by 2024.
In June, Colombia’s congress approved an ICT reform bill, which will extend spectrum concession licenses to 20 years, consolidate the ICT and TV regulators into one and drive investment, according to officials.
Source: https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/colombia-holding-public-consultation-on-4g-spectrum