Ecuador telecom regulator looks to boost competition

Ecuador’s telecom regulator presented its 2024 plan for this year.

The document presented by Arcotel, which is subject to changes, indicates there is a lack of competition in the telecommunications market and so it proposes working on regulation to improve the situation.

According to the regulator's latest statistics, as of December Claro had the largest mobile market share with 51.9% of lines, followed by Movistar with 30.3% and state-owned CNT with 17.8%.

In fixed internet, the leader was Megadatos with almost 30%, followed by CNT (16%) and Claro (10.5%), according to figures compiled by Arcotel at the end of the third quarter of 2023.

SPECTRUM

An update of the national spectrum plan is expected for December with the aim of adding the latest modifications to the ITU radiocommunications regulations approved at the CMR2023 event, among other things.

Ecuador still has to resolve the issue of renewal of mobile concessions. In December, telecoms ministry (Mintel) head César Martín met with Claro and Movistar to push for progress in the contract renegotiation process.

OTHER INITIATIVES

Arcotel also plans to advance with the detection and control of stolen or lost devices.

The plans also include new quality standards for telecommunications services, international recognition and regulation of electronic signatures, as well as technical interconnection standards and changes in the procedures for the return of remaining balances from top-ups of mobile service subscribers.