Colombia postpones debate on ICT bill

Colombia's congress has accepted a request from ICT minister (Mintic) Sylvia Constaín to postpone a vote on the proposed ICT reform bill until the first quarter of 2019.

The government of President Iván Duque introduced the bill in September to boost internet coverage, stimulate investments and simplify the regulatory structure of the sector.

On December 7, committees from Colombia's upper and lower houses approved the bill in a first debate; however, with the impending recess of congress for the holiday season, the minister requested the debate be continued next year.

The most controversial element of the bill is a proposal to merge telecoms watchdog CRC and TV regulator ANTV, creating a single universal services fund for both industries called Fontic, which the TV industry says would dilute funding for state broadcasting content.