Colombia: Mobile companies warn of looming crisis over Regulatory Commission delay

Companies and executives in the Colombian telecommunications sector have strongly rejected a decision by the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) to postpone yet again its ruling on whether Claro, a subsidiary of América Móvil, has a dominant position in the sector.

“The way a decision of this magnitude has been delayed is a mockery for the sector and above all for users,” said Marcelo Cataldo, president of rival company Tigo, considering that the sector is experiencing a critical moment in Colombia. “The postponement undoubtedly benefits, of course, that they will continue to take advantage of their position …”

The study by the CRC has already been extended by more than 28 months. However, information and documents presented in the last year require a longer study in order not to harm the behavior of the market, according to the Commission. According to data from the regulator, Claro has a 56% market share in mobile services, which represents a “serious risk to the development of the free market,” said the president of rival Telefonica Movistar, Fabian Hernandez. “If this situation does not change we will find ourselves in five years at a serious risk that a single operator will set the prices. It is necessary for the CRC to take into account the entire economic landscape.”
Full Content: El País

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