Synopsis
Colombia’s telecommunications could offer substantial returns for investors willing to take on emerging market risks. The outlook is promising for the country’s economy, which is forecast to grow by an average of 4.5% yearly during the 2010-20 decade. The Colombian telecom market has been experiencing intensifying competition, increasing convergence, and the emergence of a rapidly growing broadband sector. During 2011, radical transformations are expected both in terms of market consolidation and in the provision of new services, with fixed-line operators ETB and Emcali seeking strategic partners and/or investors, and sister companies Telmex and Comcel combining their fixed and mobile operations. Competition will receive a further boost from number portability, to be implemented in July 2011. This report provides an overview of Colombia’s telecom sector and regulatory environment, accompanied by statistical data, analyses, and outlook.