Bolivia plans to allocate 5G spectrum in 2025
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Loading... - Mandy Kappel
- 05 Sep 2024
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Bolivia plans to allocate 5G spectrum by 2025, as its telecoms regulator, ATT, collaborates with operators on spectrum allocation and awarding processes. According to ATT's executive director Néstor Ríos, these processes are expected to start as early as November 2024, depending on discussions with telecom infrastructure developers. This move is aimed at preparing for spectrum distribution in 2025.
ATT intends to assign spectrum directly to the state-owned telecommunications company Entel, while also opening tenders for private operators such as Tigo and Viva. A methodology will be applied to calculate the spectrum's value, and the regulator is working with these operators on the economic aspects and required investments.
Previously, a 5G spectrum offering in the 3300-3500 MHz band was approved but suspended. The ATT hopes to allocate the largest possible amount of spectrum, although no new operators are expected to enter the market. Bolivia currently lags behind the regional average for spectrum allocation, having assigned 94 MHz in low bands and 240 MHz in mid-bands compared to 544 MHz in the region.
The country's telecom market has approximately 11.1 million 4G and 3G lines in operation, with sector revenues reaching 10.5 billion bolivianos (US$1.52 billion) in 2023.
This spectrum allocation will be crucial for Bolivia's 5G rollout, fostering public-private partnerships to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure.
