Colombia’s Ministry of Information Technology and Communication (MinTIC) and National Spectrum Agency (ANE) have identified 1,440MHz of spectrum that could potentially be made available for mobile telecommunications services over the next four years, although only 400MHz were in frequency bands that have been identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as suitable for mobile services. The remaining 1,040MHz are in bands currently being studied by the ITU for feasibility, and the body is expected to present the results of its analysis at the ITU Radio Conference in 2015.
MinTIC and ANE had launched an investigation into the potential of the remaining available airwaves with a view to ensuring that there is sufficient spectrum to meet the rising demand for data services over the next four years and that the regulatory agencies can effectively manage the resource. Commenting on the results of the study, senior ANE official Luis Eduardo Pena said: ‘With this project the ICT Ministry and ANE have taken a step forward in the planning of radio spectrum for the next decade, seeking to ensure that the country has spectrum available to support the expected growth of mobile communications services in the country.’