Mexico details terms for wireless auctions

Mexico published on Monday terms for long-awaited frequency auctions in a sale that could attract big players like giant media company Televisa and Spain’s Telefonica.

Mexico’s telecommunications watchdog Cofetel, which has sought for years to boost competition in the sector, said it will auction nine blocks of frequencies, ranging from 1850 to 1990 MHz, including coverage of the coveted Mexico City area.

Cofetel also foresees auctioning seven blocks of frequencies within the 1710 to 2170 MHz range, reaching all of Mexican territory.

Companies interested in participating in the auction should have the approval of the competition regulators.

Winners of the auctions will have the right to operate and use the frequencies for a 20-year period.