Govt Publishes Mobile Bands for Auction, Bidding Rules on Sale Jul 20"

The Venezuela government has published in the country's official gazette the mobile spectrum bands available for an upcoming auction for licenses, local telecoms regulator Conatel said in a statement.

According to the regulator, portions of spectrum are available in the 1710-1770MHz, 1805-1910MHz, 1,930-1,990MHz and 2110-2170MHz bands.

According to local press reports, Conatel will issue on July 20 the bidding rules for interested operators.

Conatel also said that winners of the licenses are expected to start using their new spectrum by November 2007. Concession licenses will be valid for 15-year periods and the initial bidding price is US$120mn.

The government said it will take into consideration quality of service, coverage and the value of the bid. According to telecommunications minister Jesse Chacón, the mobile market has reached maturity with current penetration of over 75%, a number that is expected to reach 90% by 2011.

The state also expects all towns with more than 500 inhabitants to have access to telecommunications services by 2011."

Posted to the site on 20th July 2007