<strong>What expectations do you have about the ICT modernization bill that the Government is going to present?

It is a modernization project of our industry, where the sole regulator, the consideration and the spectrum will be. We still do not have the technical detail, as we understand they want to present it in September. From what we heard President Duque said, he has our full support.

Are you participating in developing the project?

As Asomóvil we presented the ICT minister with our proposals (extend 30-year spectrum licenses, regulatory simplification, encourage investment through reasonable conditions for auctions, among others). We believe that the proposals can be carried out.

How should the closing of the digital divide be financed?

We proposed the creation of a common fund. We believe that this mechanism will give us a great advantage as an industry and users to focus on that common fund, for example a technological change or a subsidy to the population at the base of the pyramid. Today that fund is diluted in bits: the television fund, the telecommunications fund, etc. The unique fund, which was analyzed by the National Planning Office, of 1.96% contribution, will allow us to continue complying with the precept of continuing to use the money for connectivity but with optimization of resources for operators. Today, 30% of the telecommunications fund, which is 2.2%, is taken by the Treasury for other industries.

One of Asomóvil’s proposals was the migration of 2G, what is the perspective regarding this movement?

Hopefully we can turn 2G off in an orderly way understanding the consumer. It is the same when we talk about analog and digital TV, or SD and HD. When you see a football game in high definition you do not want to go back to the standard. We should think because we are maintaining three networks and we are already talking about 5G. Maintaining four networks plus fixed networks that also have different technologies is complicated. It is something that can be looked at comprehensively at the country level.

Who should take the initiative?

It must be jointly. From the private side we cannot just turn off the technology. Today we have millions of connected users; we must generate awareness and regulation. It must be a joint work between the operator and the regulator.

Are there advances in the 700 MHz band?

It is still in the same. It has been two years ago that we are discussing the draft where we tell the government to use the money to connect more people instead of collecting. Today Colombia seeks the maximization of the economic benefit, the more expensive the spectrum, the better they fulfill their duty of government and we do not see it in that way.