The Altan Redes consortium tasked with deploying Mexico’s 4.5G shared network (Red Compartida) said it has filed for bankruptcy as part of a process to reorganise its financial commitments. In a statement, the company confirmed it was seeking protection under Mexican law to renegotiate its debts with a view to safeguarding its assets, operations and the jobs of its collaborators. "We have the support of our shareholders and the government of Mexico in this process, in addition to the trust of our clients," said Altan CEO Salvador Alvarez, adding that the consortium would continue with the deployment of its network.
Last week the company said it had reached the milestone of 3 million connected users just over 3 years after launching. The shared network on the 700MHz band now hosts around 100 MVNOs, including Sky's BlueTelecom, Izzi Movil, Megamovil, Pillofon, Newww and Elektra’s Oui, as well as providing coverage in rural areas to leading MNOs including Telcel (America Movil), AT&T and Movistar (Telefonica). It currently provides commercial service to nearly 65 percent of the country as part of its commitment to closing the digital divide.
Altan’s original aim was to expand the network to 70 percent of the population by 2022 and to 92.5 percent by 2024 but the latter goal may be extended to 2028 in view of uncertainty regarding Altan’s financial position, according a recent report.
