In the midst of the debate between operators and the Government due to the aspirations of the Executive that companies contribute new resources for the adoption of 5G technology, in addition to those they pay each year for the use of the spectrum, the Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Sandra Urrutiaspoke with Portfolio.
With versions about a eventual value of $10 billion for that renewalthe official said that they are still reviewing whether to bid all the available spectrum or separately.
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What are the key points for the Ministry?
We know that there is a great challenge ahead and it is to connect more Colombians, but above all to connect them with purpose. I am a number one fan of data analysis and in the Ministry there is a large amount of information that we have been analyzing, in order to find out which are those areas that are still missing.
What we are seeing with the operators, especially with the renewals, is that we are going to be able to reach those remote places and improve on issues such as efficiencies, quality and coverage.
We see that there is a valuable opportunity to work jointly with these ISP operators (Internet Service Providers), with community or foreign and satellite operators. Everyone is welcome to bridge the digital divide.
Does that mean that all the actors will have a place?
Yes. Today one cannot marry only one technology, especially considering the diversity of Colombia. I think that if different technologies are included, it would be possible to be more efficient and save on costs. Likewise, we also need to develop the ecosystem, and continue training local talent.
The ICT Minister, Sandra Milena Urrutia Pérez.
How are the binding dialogues progressing?
With the participants we have done a lot of orientation methodology to know what those latent needs are. We have also seen that many not only come with problems but also provide solutions. Likewise, many of the young people who have participated in these dialogues have stated that they want more opportunities in their territories, they want us to bring them training, courses so that they can be educated. Older adults seek training and learn from new technologies. In conclusion, what people are asking for is connectivity and usability.
How will you continue to support digital ventures?
We will continue with the calls. The Ministry has traditionally left some resources to bet on projects that train and make entrepreneurs visible.
We are going to continue sponsoring this type of project and accompaniment; We will continue to reach the regions with the complete package and train more Colombians.
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What role does 5G play in connectivity?
All technologies are important and I have found, fortunately, that there is a lot of spectrum available in the country and that it is a great potential for Colombia. I see it as a nice building full of apartments and many of them are empty and that cannot happen. The spectrum is to fill the entire tower, obtaining efficiencies because these are resources for the State, but above all for the benefit of the citizen.
So, for now we are in renovations, which is a very important issue. The ANE (National Spectrum Agency) is doing its job of valuing the spectrum, since the whole world is waiting for that value. In fact, I don’t know where they got the value of $10 trillion in days gone by.
After the renewal, what comes next is to take out all the spectrum that we have and very surely a State decision will come as to whether it is better for us to take it out separately or jointly.
What is the vision about it?
We see everything related to ICTs as productivity and as the development of the 21st century society. We see it as the possibility of changing lives, and we don’t see it as that fiscal purpose, it would also be illegal since the law has changed. What happened before is that the resources arrived and did not stay in the sector. When the law changed, greater priority was given to maximizing social welfare and went further in terms of expanding coverage, improving quality, technological renovation, and closing the gap.
When will the 5G spectrum auction date be known?
For now we have a commitment to renew the spectrum and then we will go to the auction.
How is the relationship with the country’s operators?
It goes very well. I have always been closely linked to this industry and I have always been working hand in hand with companies.
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I believe that the business community does the best it can and that it is also a constitutional guarantee. Here we have to guarantee the development of the industry, but additionally from the State one is to make decisions.
What is the goal in connectivity in the country?
We have a goal and it is to ensure that the country is 85% connected in the coming years.
Today only 60% of Colombian homes are connected and 70% are on mobile lines. There is certainly a great challenge.
johana lorduy
