The telecommunications industry in Venezuela is taking a key step into the future with the recent spectrum auction organized by the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel). In a historic event, Digitel and Movistar secured blocks of essential spectrum for the deployment of new technologies, marking a milestone in the country’s digital development.
Auction Results: Digitel Moves Toward 5G, Movistar Strengthens Its 4G
After two days of competition on the Caracas Stock Exchange, Digitel was awarded 50 MHz in the 3.500 MHz band, crucial for developing 5G networks. The company offered 86.92 million dollars, thereby solidifying its position as a pioneer in introducing this technology in Venezuela.
On the other hand, Movistar Venezuela acquired spectrum in the 2.500 MHz band, aimed at enhancing its 4G LTE network with an investment of 37 million dollars. In total, the auction generated 124.93 million dollars in revenue.
The state-owned operators Movilnet and Cantv participated in the bidding, but ultimately were not awarded any blocks, leaving the field open for private investments in the modernization of the sector.
Digitel: The Path to 5G and New Technologies
With this allocation, Digitel becomes the first company in Venezuela with official access to the spectrum necessary for implementing 5G. Lleanora Rondón, General Manager of Regulatory Affairs for the company, confirmed that the company already has more than 2,400 stations ready to support this technology. The deployment is set to begin progressively in 2025 in the main cities of the country, with the goal of reaching 4,200 stations by 2026.
In addition to 5G, Digitel plans to implement Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), a key solution for providing connectivity in areas where access to fiber optic networks is limited. The company is also betting on emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), industrial automation, telemedicine, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart homes.
Movistar Focuses on Strengthening Its 4G Network
While Digitel focuses on 5G, Movistar Venezuela has decided to enhance its 4G LTE network by acquiring spectrum in the 2.500 MHz band. Rowil Contreras, Director of Wholesale Business and Public Affairs for Telefónica Venezuela, stated that the goal is to expand coverage and improve service quality nationwide.
The company indicated that the first results from the deployment of this new spectrum capacity should be visible in the second half of 2025. Movistar aims to improve connection speed and service stability to provide a more robust experience for its users.
A Milestone for Digital Development in Venezuela
The spectrum auction was labeled a “success” by Conatel, with its Director General, Jorge Eliéser Márquez Monsalve, highlighting that this allocation marks “a step toward the future of telecommunications in Venezuela.”
The investment of over 124 million dollars in spectrum demonstrates that private operators continue to invest in the country despite economic challenges. The rollout of 5G and the expansion of 4G represent a significant improvement in connectivity, benefiting users, businesses, and industries in an increasingly digitalized market.
As the implementation of these technologies advances, it is expected that Venezuela will join the global trend of digitalization, facilitating access to faster, safer, and more efficient services for the entire population.
Source: DPLnews