Single regulator controversy reemerges in Colombia

A controversial proposal to merge Colombia's telecommunications and TV regulators has resurfaced in a new bill to modernize the ICT sector.

The move to merge telecoms watchdog CRC and TV regulator ANTV was shelved in June just before President Iván Duque took office.

Critics of the previous bill were concerned that public TV would see funding diluted by the merging of the universal services funds for both industries into a single fund, Fontic.

The new bill was presented on Wednesday by ICT minister Sylvia Constaín (pictured with Duque).

However, ICT ministry Mintic said in a statement that the bill would ensure additional funds to strengthen public, national and regional TV and radio.

Mintic said that combining the two funds would provide incentives for investment in digital content, available on multiple platforms that will have a broader appeal.

Duque has underscored the importance of public-private partnerships to push his digital agenda, which would require "intelligent," flexible, regulation. To that end it is necessary to have an independent single regulatory entity that helps remove bureaucratic obstacles to incorporating technology in a broad range of sectors, he said.

OTHER ASPECTS

Reaching 100% of Colombians with internet by the end of his term in 2022 is one of Duque's election promises.

He said that despite significant advances made over the last decade, 50% of municipalities lack last mile connectivity, while 62% of the population lives in areas where internet penetration is below 20%.

The new bill updates the 2009 law 1341 and aims to improve judicial certainty for investors. To that end, the ICT ministry will take over prime responsibility for auctioning spectrum, though spectrum agency ANE will remain intact and not be merged with the other two regulators.

One proposal is to increase the length of spectrum licenses to 30 years to encourage more investment in last mile infrastructure, which is seen as key to connecting and boosting the rural economy.

The bill also proposes a single interconnection rate for operators, thus leveling the competitive playing field.