Chilean telecommunications regulator Subtel has awarded a contract to build the country’s National Fibre Optic (FON) network to local operator WOM. A total of CLP 86 billion (around USD 100 million) has been earmarked for the project, the largest government subsidy ever assigned in the history of the Chilean telecommunications sector, with WOM beating rivals Mundo Pacifico and GTD to secure the contract for 5 of the 6 macro zones. The deadline for activating the 10,000 km backbone covering 2.5 million residents in 186 municipalities is 31 December 2022.
Subtel said it will be launching a new tender for the final southern macro-zone (La Araucania, Los Rios and Los Lagos) before the end of the year. Chile's government is also pressing ahead with its Fibra Optica Austral (FOA) southern fibre plan, which is expected to connect to the FON network, as well as its "Puerta Digital Asia-South America" project.
