MTC PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR MORE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE IN RURAL AREAS

Lima - May 20, 2023.- As announced a few months ago, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) modified the maximum limit that operating companies can use from the payment for the use of the radio spectrum, in order to promote the deployment of infrastructure in rural areas and places of preferential social interest.

Thus, through Ministerial Resolution 0613-2023-MTC/01.03, the Coefficient of Infrastructure Expansion and/or Technological Improvement of Infrastructure (CEI) is increased from 40% to 60% of the estimated collection of the annual fee.

The mechanism implemented by the MTC seeks to reduce the telecommunications infrastructure gap and increase access to mobile services (telephony and 4G internet) in population centers that currently do not have this technology.

This measure, which is known as a coverage fee, has allowed operators to deploy telecommunications infrastructure and bring 4G mobile services in areas whose population did not have these services; For this reason, the amount is increased, considering its impact on reducing the digital divide.

The acceptance of operators to the coverage fee regime, from 2018 to 2022, has allowed more than 600 population centers to have commitments to install infrastructure and provide 4G mobile services. With the recently approved regulations, up to 350 new localities that lack these services can be served.

According to the estimate made by the Supervisory Agency for Private Investment in Telecommunications (Osiptel), of the total number of cellular base stations planned for 2025, as of September 2022 only 43% are available, with 57% remaining to be implemented nationwide.

In addition, it is evident that in the regions of Ica, Arequipa, La Libertad, Ucayali, Lambayeque, Lima and Callao the proportion of pending infrastructure to be implemented is greater than 60%.

Source: Andina