This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Colombia: Ministry to allow interconnection Print E-mail
Thursday, 10 March 2005
Colombia's communications ministry will allow trunking operator Avantel to interconnect with mobile networks, Marta Pinto, the Communications Minister said.

Mobile operators Colombia Móvil (Ola) Comcel, and BellSouth Colombia initiated legal action to suspend the authorisation, arguing it violates their rights. Mobile operators claim that the decree will help trunking operators such as Avantel become mobile operators without paying mobile license fees or participating in spectrum auctions.

Pinto said trunking operators such as Avantel are recognized internationally as mobile operations, whatever technology they use, and therefore have the same interconnection rights as any other mobile operator. She also said that Avantel would have to pay interconnection fees, which the Communications Ministry would define based on a previous or new concession study.

"The payment will be in accordance with market value and it is logical that with three operators, a fourth license would not have the same value as the first one granted 10 years ago," the Pinto said.

Source: Business News Americas