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Chile: Commission recommends spectrum limit Print E-mail
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
FNE, Chile's antitrust commission, is recommending that mobile operators be limited to 60MHz of spectrum.

FNE made the recommendation to the anti-monopolies tribunal TDLC, which would make the final decision on spectrum limits. In June, telecommunications regulator Subtel asked the TDLC to decide if existing mobile operators should be allowed to participate in 3G spectrum auctions in early 2008. Before considering Subtel’s request, TDLC asked for a report from Subtel on the state of the market, which was completed in September.

According to FNE, without limits on the amount of spectrum each operator has the market could be very difficult for new entrants, which is Subtel’s main objective in auctioning 3G spectrum. VTR and fixed line operator Telefonica del Sur have expressed interest in acquiring spectrum. If the TDLC follows FNE's recommendation, Entel would be disqualified from the auction as it already holds 60MHz of spectrum. Movistar and Claro each have 55MHz of spectrum.

Subtel says it intends to auction 45MHz of spectrum for 3G use and expects to award 20-30MHz to a new entrant and potentially award 5-10MHz to the three existing mobile operators, Entel, Movistar and Claro.

Source: Business News Americas - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.