CRT Orders Mobile Operators to Interconnect Directly with Avantel

Colombia's telecoms regulator CRT has issued new legislation that obliges mobile operators to provide trunking service operator Avantel with interconnection at mobile-to-mobile rates, local press reported.

Avantel modified its telecommunications license in August 2005 to become the country's fourth mobile operator.

However, mobile competitors Comcel, the local unit of Mexico's América Móvil, and Movistar Colombia, owned by Spain's Telefónica Móviles, have to date refused to provide Avantel with mobile interconnection rates.

Besides providing lower rates, the regulation will allow Avantel customers to use similar numbers as mobile users, but with the 350 prefix.

BNAmericas.com"

Posted to the site on 13th July 2006