Bolivia plans to allocate 5G spectrum in 2025

Bolivia's telecoms regulator ATT is working with operators on spectrum allocation and awarding processes.

“We are hoping that these allocation and bidding processes can be launched starting in November this year so that we can look at 2025 with the corresponding spectrum allocation and awarding,” ATT's executive director Néstor Ríos said during a webinar in response to a question by BNamericas.

However, the timing will depend on discussions with the operators that will develop the telecoms infrastructure. “We are working with operators so that there can be a joint public-private vision for assigning this spectrum,” he told the webinar hosted by 5G Americas.

ATT plans to allocate spectrum to state telco Entel directly and launch a tender for Tigo and Viva, the other players in the market. The direct allocation will include a payment based on the methodology for calculating the spectrum value.

The regulator is working with operators on the economic components and the investment required.

Last year, US$332 million was invested and sector revenues totaled 10.5 billion bolivianos (US$1.52bn), compared to 11bn bolivianos in 2022.

Regarding costs, Ríos said that “we believe it is essential to incorporate a reasonable price. We are already working on the valuation of the band.”

Last year, ATT approved the start of the process to offer 5G spectrum in the 3300-3500MHz band, but it had to be suspended. At that time, each 50MHz sub-band had been valued at 112mn bolivianos.

Public policy is aimed at assigning the largest amount of spectrum, Ríos said. However, he does not expect new operators entering the market.

According to 5G Americas, Bolivia has assigned 94MHz in low bands and 240MHz in mid bands, compared to the regional average of 544MHz in all bands.

ATT registered 11.1mn 4G and 3G lines in operation.