Argentina’s new telecommunications and information services bill has passed the lower house of congress. The digital bill – which defines new information technology as a public service, broadening the concept of Internet access – drew strong criticism from opposing members, who claim it favors monopolies. The measure passed the upper house last week.
The digital bill declares the use of telecom networks a public service, allowing the state to regulate rates. However, the measure does not including mobile telecommunications in its definition. The bill also gives the green light to telephone companies to offer non-satellite TV services.
TIM Brasil rumors: Speculation about market consolidation in Brazil is continuing to grow daily. Last week, sources told Bloomberg that Telefónica, Oi and Claro were preparing a $15 billion offer for TIM – and once again TIM, the Brazilian unit of Telecom Italia, denied any sale plans.
Speaking with members of the press, Rodrigo Abreu, TIM’s CEO, said that he and his team are looking at ways to grow the company, and not paying attention to rumors. As an example, he cited the company’s acquisition of spectrum in the 700 MHz band to deploy LTE in addition to the 2.5 GHz currently used by the telco to offer 4G services. In addition, Abreu said that TIM is expanding its fiber optic network. He also highlighted the company’s good financial performance, and without disclosing specific numbers, said the company’s investment might increase next year.
“Of course, we evaluate what’s going on in the market, but that is a natural thing companies do,” Abreu said. He noted that the Brazilian market is big enough for four large players.
TIM was actually the first to make an offer for Vivendi’s Brazilian unit, GVT, although Telefónica wound up making the deal to buy the operator for $9 billion in September.
LatAm investments for 2015: A few Latin American communications service providers have released their investment expectations for the next year.
In Bolivia, Entel (Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) plans to invest $300 million in 2015; of that amount, 70% will be used for fiber optic deployment. The figure is similar to the amount the carrier spent in 2014.
Despite NII Holding’s current bankruptcy proceedings, its Brazilian unit of Nextel plans to expand its 3G offer to 200 more cities. Currently, Nextel covers about 500 cities in Brazil. Nextel expects to invest $1.1 billion next year.
Colombian ETB is preparing to spend $250 million in 2015, although that amount may increase to $300 million. The carrier aims to achieve about 7% revenue growth.
More Latin American news:
MEXICO – NII Holdings is open to selling its assets in Mexico as part of its restructuring process.
HONDURAS – Tigo Honduras has launched LTE services for pre- and post-paid smartphone users as well as USB modem users in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.
BRAZIL – The telecom regulatory agency Anatel opened public consultation for satellite bidding. Under the proposal, up to four companies will be awarded Brazilian satellite exploitation rights for a period of 15 years.
COSTA RICA – The country’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications confirmed that the auction of 70 megahertz of spectrum band will be held at the beginning of next year.
BRAZIL – Oi’s Wi-Fi network grew 144%, reaching 1 million hot spots.
FRENCH GUIANA – O3b Networks announced the launch of four satellites from the Space Center in French Guiana. According to the company, these satellites will be the latest addition to a network designed to connect the “other 3 billion” people on Earth (hence the name O3b).
CHILE – Entel and Ericsson have completed Latin America’s first live test of the APT700 band. Entel expects to deploy its nationwide LTE network in APT700 spectrum in 2015.
BRAZIL – Tablet sales in Brazil totaled 2.3 million units in the third quarter this year, according to IDC. This represents an 18.1% growth compared to the same period of last year.
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