The National Spectrum Agency (ANE) imposed a fine of more than $ 10,000 million as a result of the infraction. Partners (Wom) confirmed the Avantel purchase in July 2020.
The National Spectrum Agency (ANE) sanctioned Avantel SAS for making use of the radioelectric spectrum that corresponds to Wom without authorization from the ICT Ministry. This was indicated by resolution 000240 of June 3, 2021.
The Agency made the decision months after complaints from operators related to a possible misuse of the spectrum assigned to Partners (Wom) by Avantel were known. It should be remembered that in July 2020 Partners, from the Novator group, confirmed the purchase of Avantel, an operator with around two million users.
Also read: They denounce that Avantel would be using spectrum from Partners without authorization
However, for one to use the spectrum of the other, authorization from the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (Mintic) is necessary, because the spectrum, although assigned to private parties for its operation, is still a good of the Nation. .
Although Avantel provided contracts as proof that there was an agreement for the provision of network services between the parties, the ANE assured that this does not legitimize the infringement.
“It was proven that the investigated society did not have prior and express authorization from the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications for the use of those frequencies,” he stated in the resolution.
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The entity emphasized that whoever uses a telecommunications network through the occupation of the radioelectric spectrum to provide services to end users must necessarily have a special permit.
“This company ignored the regulation and even more serious tried to cover up its lack with documents that cannot in any way substitute or replace the necessary and imperative intervention of the Administration that through the MinTIC must authorize the use of the spectrum in the country,” he said. .
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The ANE imposed a sanction on Avantel for 11,732 Monthly Legal Minimum Wages (more than $ 10,600 million) and gave Avantel 15 days to make the total payment of the debt. In addition, it ordered the definitive cessation of its operations on the frequencies 723 – 733 MHz and 778 – 788 MHz for not having a legitimate authorization from the State.
Follow the news of El Espectador on Google NewsSo far, neither Avantel nor Partners have commented on the decision.
