Cellcos want out of Compartel scheme

Mobile operators in Colombia are expected to ask the communications ministry for permission to form their own social telephony programmes as an alternative to the current system of contributing 5% of their revenues to a universal access fund. The operators have argued that Compartel, the intermediate body administrating the fund, is not providing the most efficient universal access solution, and rural areas would be better served by allowing cellcos to invest the equivalent percentage of turnover in expanding mobile networks in remote regions. At present, Compartel is concentrating on improving rural fixed line and broadband connectivity.