America Movil’s unit Claro, and Tigo, part of the Millicom group, have won the 4G spectrum tender launched by Honduras’ National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) in August. Claro and Tigo have each won a block of 20MHz in the 1700-2100 MHz (AWS) frequency bands, local newspaper El Heraldo reports. The operators paid an overall HNL 497.5 million (approximately USD 24 million) for the spectrum. A third block of 40 MHz was reserved for state-owned operator Hondutel.
The first block, won by Tigo for USD 12.05 million, covers the 1710-1730 MHz and 2110-2130 MHz frequency bands, while Claro won the second block, in the 1730-1750 MHz and 2130-2150 MHz frequency bands, for USD 12.02 million. The third block, granted to Hondutel, covers the 1750-1770 MHz and 2150-2170 MHz frequency bands.
Claro and Tigo have 18 months to commercially launch 4G mobile voice and internet services in at least 10 of Honduras’ largest cities. In addition, they must provide free broadband internet access in schools, colleges, libraries, and state health centers in areas covered by their mobile networks.
