The public consultation on the use of the 5925-7125 MHz frequency bands, the conclusions of which will be published in the coming weeks, was prepared by the ANE and raises the free use of the 5925-7125 MHz band based on two aspects: the development technology of unlicensed standards (Wi-Fi in particular) and the economic and social development that involves the use of license-exempt frequencies. This implies maintaining the currently allocated services (Fixed, Fixed by Satellite and Mobile). Currently, in Colombia Wi-Fi operates in medium bands; in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

This is one of the issues mentioned by Miguel Felipe Anzola, ANE (National Spectrum Agency of Colombia) director in an interview with Convergencialatina. He also announced that in the second semester the conditions for the 5G auction will be available

Convergencia Latina (CL): The 6GHz band was discussed in the region by their respective regulators about its current and future uses. What do you expect in Colombia?

Miguel Felipe Anzola (MFA): What we want is for spectrum allocation to be done faster. We had many meetings during 2020 and the consultation document was published in December. It was in force until the end of January. We have already received all the comments and contributions and we are in the process of drawing up the conclusions. The satellite sector has been using these frequencies but there are new players, which have to do with the use of Wi-Fi 6. There is great interest in using this band as a complement to the 2.4 Ghz band to have greater bandwidth.

CL: The availability of radio spectrum is one of the topics on the 2021 action plan agenda. What changes are being sought?

MFA: Our development plan is part of President Iván Duque's plan for 2018-2022. We have five main initiatives and spectrum availability is one of them. We intend to put the 900 MHz band to use. For that, we are conducting a coexistence study of various services in that band. Furthermore as part of our policy we seek to have a 5-year spectrum plan and this year we are going to materialize it through a Management Master Plan. In addition, we want to ensure the correct operation of the TV White Space (TVWS) tool in areas where there are no operators. Regarding the cessation of analog TV, we have it predicted for 2024 and the idea is to start the initial migrations this year, with the support of the ICT Ministry. Another novelty is the modernization of spectrum management processes and procedures, which is in increasing demand.

CL: Another initiative spins around TV quality measurement. What can you add on this?

MFA: One of the plans is to update the methodology for measuring TV quality. This was previously regulated by the TV authority that does not exist anymore (ANTV). The activities are now distributed between MinTIC and ANE. From here we are going to update the methodology and check that cable TV networks are correctly installed, otherwise they can generate leaks and interferences with other services. We have the plan to draw up regulations so that cable TV operators improve their networks and also modernize the technical plan for FM sound broadcasting.

CL: When do you think the auction conditions for 5G will be ready? Due to the type of permits granted, is it heading more towards an industrial use?

MFA: A review of the technical conditions of use will be carried out, with the idea of ??having it for the second semester of the year. We have 100 MHz of spectrum fully available. We also seek to strengthen the spectrum monitoring work by automating processes, with the incorporation of data analytics technology.

The MinTIC has already assigned temporary permits to use spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band to a variety of companies. At the moment, 46 permits have been issued, the majority for the innovation sector. There is important interest and there is the subject of investigation that they are testing with different operators so this technology can be used with full security.

CL: In Colombia, about 50% of households in rural areas lack access to fixed or mobile Internet and operators first bet on massively using 4G. How are the works at this point?

MFA: It is important to say that in 4G technology the first frequencies were assigned in 2013 and the implementations started in 2014, mainly in urban areas. In 2019, a spectrum auction was held in the 700 MHz band, which is an adequate band to provide good coverage, because in this band a base station provides coverage of 6 KM and is suitable to cover rural areas. Here was the commitment that operators have to implement solutions for rural areas of the country and they have 4 years for that. We aim to cover 80% of rural localities.