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Chile: Existing mobile operators allowed to bid for frequency Print E-mail
Friday, 18 July 2008

Chile's anti-trust tribunal is allowing existing mobile operators to bid for new frequencies, but stipulated that the process should also enable the entry of new competitors.

The Subsecretary of Telecommunications (Subtel) asked the tribunal for a ruling on whether existing operators should be allowed to bid for 45 megahertz of frequency to be used for 3G service.

"According to anti-trust regulations...it is not necessary to exclude the participation of current concession holders...which means they may participate if they meet applicable norms," the tribunal said.

The tribunal asked that Subtel take steps to promote the entry of new operators, including allowing mobile number portability (MNP). The tribunal suggest that said MNP should be instituted as soon as possible. The government intends to proceed with bidding now that is has received the tribunal's ruling.

Chile's mobile market is dominated by Telefonica Movistar and Entel PCS. Claro is the third largest operator. Chile has mobile penetration of around 90% and a population of 16 million.

Source: Reuters - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.