Synopsis
Colombia’s mobile penetration is about 7% lower than average for Latin America and the Caribbean. This is, actually, more than would be expected considering the country’s low economic indicators. Although the market has slowed down, it holds significant growth potential, particularly in the areas of mobile broadband and value-added services. The years 2011/2012 have brought significant changes to the Colombian mobile environment, with the launch of several MVNOs and the arrival of 4G/LTE technology, among others.
Three mobile network operators dominate the Colombian mobile market: Claro (previously Comcel), Movistar, and Tigo. The leader is Claro, with a 64% market share, but its subscriber base has been shrinking since the introduction of Mobile Number Portability.
MVNOs Uff! Móvil, UNE-EPM, ETB, and Emcali offer mobile voice and internet services over Tigo’s network, while Metrotel and Virgin Mobile – the latter due to launch before end-2012 – have entered into wholesale agreements with Movistar.
UNE-EPM has launched a 4G/LTE network in Bogotá and Medellín – this is Latin America’s sixth commercial LTE offering. The government has scheduled an LTE spectrum auction for September 2012 and hopes to attract both existing and new players.
Accompanied by key market statistics and analyses, this report provides an overview of Colombia’s mobile market and a brief profile of all mobile operators. It also contains scenario forecasts for the years 2015 and 2020.
Key developments:
The number of mobile broadband subscribers is growing by 23% a year; UNE-EPM is planning to expand its LTE network to Colombia’s major cities; other LTE launches are expected to take place following the upcoming award of LTE licences; AméricaMóvil’sComcel has been rebranded Claro;Colombia will be the second Latin American country to see Virgin Mobile MVNO services.
Companies covered in this report include:
Claro/Comcel, Movistar, Tigo, Avantel, UNE-EPM, Uff! Móvil, ETB, Metrotel, Emcali, Virgin Mobile, Globalstar.
