Colombia frees 6GHz band for unlicensed services, plans spectrum auction

As part of its spectrum agenda, Colombia released the 6GHz band for unlicensed services, and plans a 5G auction and spectrum renewals.

The country’s digital transformation adviser, Saúl Kattan, was quoted as saying by newspaper El Tiempo that the 5G auction is expected for 1H23. “We are looking at spectrum pricing options, regional examples. There are many alternatives to give spectrum to operators,” Kattan said.

However, the process is still in the preliminary phase.

Colombia is evaluating offering the medium 3.5GHz band for next generation services. It is unknown if other bands will be included in the bidding process.

6GHz

Colombia designated the entire 6GHz band (5,925MHz–7,125MHz) for unlicensed Wi-Fi indoor services.

"Capacities and speeds will be higher and with them it will be possible to meet the growing demand for data, content and applications from users, as well as reach remote regions of the country with quality solutions for rural areas," ICT minister Sandra Urrutia said during the international spectrum congress.

Chile recently decided to review its decision and enable only a portion of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi instead of the entire band.

Countries like Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Peru favor the use of the entire band for unlicensed services.

SPECTRUM RENEWAL

In the next 24 months, 70% of operator-held spectrum will be up for renewal, involving 210MHz in the 850MHz, 1,900MHz, 2,600MHz and AWS (1,700MHz-2,100MHz) bands.

Urrutía recently said spectrum value has not yet been defined but is being studied by spectrum agency ANE.

"ANE is working on it and it is thought that by January 2023 that value will be defined. Currently, progress is being made in the study of market conditions, reviewing the criteria established by the law to maximize social welfare," she said, according to a press release.

This year, the ICT ministry determined that Claro and Movistar must pay 36,248 pesos per MHz per person for the use of spectrum in the 1,900MHz band, compared to 44,832 pesos defined in October 2021.