# Overview of Mobile Communications in Colombia and Introduction to 5G
## 3 Analysis and Results  
### Current Networks  
The telecommunications sector in Colombia is regulated by the provisions of Law 1341 of 2009. This regulation aims to promote access to information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve universal service as well as increased connectivity. It also ensures, inter alia, the efficient deployment and use of communications infrastructure and the efficient management of the radio spectrum [51]. To update the regulations, Law 1978 of 2019 was formulated, with provisions that modernize the ICT sector [52]. These laws frame the procedure for assigning the radio spectrum to telecommunications operators. Furthermore, spectrum management in Colombia is in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in terms of the economic aspects derived from the exploitation of this activity, as set out in recommendation ITU-R SM.2012-6, updated in 2018 [53]. In this regard, the regulation allows the use of the radio spectrum for an initial defined period of 20 years, which can be renewed for up to 20 additional years to allow operators to adequately plan their short-, medium-, and long-term investments in infrastructure for mobile and data services. In other words, with the confidence granted by the concession period, the prolonged operation is promoted based on significant investments with a higher chance of return. The radio spectrum is a limited and valuable natural resource in any region of the world, and countries develop policies that allow them to use it rationally and efficiently, maximizing the benefits obtained from its exploitation. The portion allocated to mobile communications systems is possibly one of the most coveted within the set of bands that make up the radio spectrum, as demonstrated by the values achieved in the different auctions (see Table 3). Table 3 shows the high costs bid by different operators in the 2019 4G auction for access to the 700 MHz band. Although the subgigahertz bands have a lower bandwidth capacity, they are very attractive because of the ease of radio wave propagation, which allows for lower transmission infrastructure costs by providing coverage over a geographical area with fewer base stations (BS) compared to the higher bands. This is also evident in Table 3 when comparing the values offered by the 2.5 and 2.6 GHz bands. However, if one compares the prices and amounts of the spectrum allocated to these bands in 2019 with what happened in 2013, there is a greater demand for the spectrum given the growth of the market and the current needs of users. As a result, the various stakeholders agreed to make higher outlays to obtain use permits. In addition, higher frequency bands (centimeter and millimeter waves) allow more of the spectrum to be made available, which facilitates the deployment of specific applications for the eMBB scenario. As for spectrum licenses in the 850 MHz bands, these were not granted through auctions, as the regulations in force before 2009 allowed for their award through competitive bidding processes [54]. Currently, this portion of the spectrum is 100% allocated until March 2024, with a total of 50 MHz of bandwidth distributed as follows: 25 MHz to Colombia Telecomunicaciones and 25 MHz to Comunicacion Celular S. A. (Comcel) [55; 56]. In addition, it is important to note that 22 MHz are available between 894 MHz and 905 MHz and between 939 MHz and 950 MHz [57]. Until June 2022, permits for the use of radio spectrum within the bands allocated to mobile services in Colombia are concentrated in five companies. However, current regulations allow for the provision of mobile telecommunications services without the need for licenses to use the bands allocated for this purpose, through the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) modality. There are two categories of MVNOs in Colombia: resellers and full MVNOs. In the case of resellers, they are exclusively engaged in the sale of voice services on a prepaid basis, purchased from any of the mobile operators with infrastructure, and offering wholesale prices.