Colombia Announces 5G Auction Results

The results of the 5G auction in Colombia, a pivotal event in the country’s telecommunications sector, have been finalized, marking a new era in digital connectivity. Conducted through nine rounds of bidding, the auction successfully garnered 1.03 trillion Colombian pesos, setting the stage for the next generation of mobile networks in Colombia.

Allocation of 5G Spectrum and Infrastructure Deployment in Colombia

The first block was awarded to a partnership between Tigo and Movistar. Wom secured the second block, while Telecall and Claro-Comcel won the third and fourth blocks of the auction, respectively. These allocations are critical for the future of mobile communications in Colombia.

From February 1, 2024, these operators are scheduled to start the deployment of 5G infrastructure. This advancement is expected to significantly enhance network capabilities in Colombia, offering faster data speeds and broader connectivity. The spectrum bands auctioned, essential for telecom services, include 700 MHz, 1900 MHz, AWS extended, 2500 MHz, and 3500 MHz.

Economic Implications and Digital Advancements in Colombia

The Minister of Information Technologies and Communications, Iván Lizcano, highlighted the economic implications of the auction. The introduction of 5G technology is expected to play a crucial role in Colombia’s digital transformation, promising substantially faster data speeds and expanded coverage. The technology aims to cover over 2,000 kilometers of highways, numerous educational institutions, and approximately 54% of the Colombian population.

The auction, conducted under strict security measures, was noted for its efficiency, being completed in just eight months, the fastest in both Latin America and globally. The minister pointed out the anticipated revenue of 3.3 trillion pesos from the auctioned bands, indicating the potential economic benefits of 5G technology for Colombia.