Venezuela’s three mobile network operators – state-run Movilnet, Telefónica subsidiary Movistar and domestically-owned Digitel – have responded to last month’s invitation to participate in a tender for three blocks of mobile spectrum in the 1710 MHz-2170 MHz mobile frequency bands, the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) unveiled on June 7.
With the auction, the government said it aims to improve access to and the quality of mobile telephony services and broadband wireless networks. The regulator set the base price for 1 megahertz of spectrum at $187,000 (VEF803,000) per year.
According to the document, three nationwide licenses will be up for grabs:
Block D-D: 1930 MHz-1940 MHz paired with 1850 MHz-186 0MHz (2×10 megahertz);
Block E-E: 1945 MHz-1955 MHz paired with 1865 MHz-1875 MHz (2×10 megahertz);
Block F-F: 1810 MHz-1825 MHz paired with 1715 MHz-1730 MHz (2×15 megahertz).
It is expected all three national operators will receive spectrum needed for expanding and upgrading their mobile broadband services nationwide.
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