Claro, Movistar prequalify for 5G spectrum auction

Two of Uruguay’s existing mobile network operators – Claro and Movistar – have prequalified to participate in the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, reports El Observador. America Movil-owned Claro and Movistar, the local unit of Spain’s Telefonica, will compete in the auction scheduled for 9 May, while a block of the 3.5GHz spectrum has also been reserved for state-owned incumbent Antel. In total, three 1×100MHz lots of spectrum will be allocated by the Regulatory Unit of Communications Services (Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones, URSEC): 3300MHz-3400MHz; 3600MHz-3700MHz (reserved for Antel); and 3700MHz-3800MHz. Each 100MHz spectrum package has a minimum initial price of USD28 million and will be valid for 25 years. Rollout obligations include a requirement to deploy 70 base stations within one year, with at least two base stations in a minimum of ten or more departments (excluding Montevideo) required within two years, and at least two base stations in each of the country’s 19 departments by the end of the third year.