Virgin launches Colombian MVNO

UK-backed mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Virgin Mobile has launched in Colombia, offering services over the infrastructure of Telefonica’s local unit Movistar Colombia, BNAmericas reports. The provider signed an MVNO agreement with Movistar in early 2012 and had previously slated H2 2012 and Q1 2013 as prospective deadlines for beginning commercial services. In August 2012 Virgin launched discussions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank, over debt funding for the Colombian MVNO venture, having already acquired similar financing for its Chilean unit: in December that year, the group signed an agreement extending its debt facility to USD14 million.