Asistencia técnica para validar, planificar y ejecutar la asignación de permisos para uso de espectro IMT y para uso de mejores prácticas para el aumento de la penetración de Internet en Colombia

El presente proyecto tiene el objeto de asistir, hacer recomendaciones y acompañar al Ministerio de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones para apoyar la planificación y ejecución del proceso para el otorgamiento de los permisos y su valoración para la utilización del espectro radioeléctrico en bandas IMT y contar con referentes de análisis sobre buenas prácticas internacionales que hayan evidenciado su efectividad en el incremento de la penetración de Internet, especialmente en segmentos poblacionales de escasos recursos de conformidad con la experiencia destacada de la industria de telecomunicaciones.

The project provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies of Colombia (MINTIC) for the planning and execution of the process for granting IMT spectrum permits and for the implementation of international best practices to increase Internet penetration, particularly in low-income population segments. The project was implemented across two phases (Amendment 1 and Amendment 2), building on the remaining funds from a predecessor project (9COL16036).

In the first phase, the project delivered three key outputs confirmed under Amendment 1: an analysis and recommendations document for IMT spectrum valuation in the objective selection process for spectrum permits across two frequency bands; a document on strategies for mass adoption of broadband telecommunications and Internet to increase coverage in regions with difficult access and low population density; and a public auction implementation plan with accompanying technical support. All deliverables were accepted by MINTIC and put into practice as appropriate.

The second phase focused on providing ITU technical assistance and accompaniment for the validation, planning, and execution of the 5G spectrum assignment process. ITU support for the Colombia 5G Auction was provided between August and September 2023, and the country successfully launched the auction in December 2023. Two virtual technical working sessions were conducted covering 5G frequency bands, interference management, and ITU-R and IMT 2020 recommendations.

The project was financed with remaining funds from the predecessor project 9COL16036, based on instructions from MINTIC. For the support requested under Amendment 2 (5G Auction), ITU provided direct assistance to the country at no additional cost to the project, aiming to meet the expectations and timelines of the Ministry related to the 5G Auction. The project had a remaining balance of USD 118,354.

Key lessons from the project emphasized the importance of closing projects promptly once results have been achieved, rather than using remaining funds which are better planned within a new project with specific activities and expected results. The project also highlighted the need for both parties to agree on a clear work plan with adequate timelines for document analysis, technical support, procurement, and official missions.