Chilean regulator Sub-Secretaria de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel) has set technical rules for the use of the 700MHz band for mobile broadband services. The watchdog has adopted the model set out by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), pairing frequencies in the 703MHz-748MHz range (uplink) with those in the 758MHz-803MHz band (downlink). The Long Term Evolution (LTE)-suitable spectrum will be allocated by a public tender and the concessions will cover the whole of the national territory. CommsUpdate previously reported that other LatAm countries such as Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico had opted for the APT 4G scheme.
Commenting on the decision, Subtel said in a statement: ‘The 700MHz band is conducive to expanding existing coverage … [which is] designed for densely populated areas. This contest is a commitment of the government to provide more spectrum for the development of telecommunications services and, in particular, provide higher quality services in mobile broadband internet.’