Cable & Wireless Panama is a telecommunications company operating in Panama. Its origins trace back to 1852 with the establishment of the English and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company. Over time, this company amalgamated with numerous other telegraph, radio, and telecommunications companies, eventually forming Cable & Wireless Communications. In 1997, Cable & Wireless acquired a 50% share of the Panamanian Instituto Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (INTEL), leading to the formation of Cable & Wireless Panama. The company underwent several ownership changes, most notably its acquisition by Liberty Latin America in 2018, following the split from Liberty Global. Cable & Wireless Panama is currently owned by Liberty Latin America, a telecommunications company based in Boulder, Colorado.
In July 2022 C&W acquired rival Claro Panama.
3G Network
Cable & Wireless Panama launched its 3G network in September 2011, providing services with a speed of 21 Mbps HSPA+ technology. The network was deployed using AWS spectrum, which was part of the company's strategy to enhance mobile broadband services in Panama.
3G Frequency Bands
| Network Frequency Band | Status |
|---|---|
|
Active
|
|
|
Active
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3G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|---|---|
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Launch of 3G Network
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Launch
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4G Network
Cable & Wireless Panama commenced its 4G LTE services on March 11, 2015, utilising the 700 MHz (APT700), 850 MHz, and 1900 MHz spectrum bands. The initial launch covered parts of Panama City and the city of San José de David. The adoption of the APT700 FDD band plan was confirmed by Panama in October 2012, which facilitated the deployment of LTE services. The company has continued to expand its 4G network, aiming to provide extensive coverage across Panama.
4G Frequency Bands
| Network Frequency Band | Max. Channel Bandwidth | Status | Known EARFCNs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
20
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Active
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900,
1150
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15
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Active
|
2025
|
|
|
10
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Active
|
9285
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4G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|---|---|
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Launch of 4G Network
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Launch
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5G Network
In January 2023, Cable & Wireless Panama was awarded spectrum in the 700 MHz and AWS bands as part of Panama's efforts to allocate more spectrum for IMT services and focus on 5G deployment. The company began 5G pilot tests in April 2024, which were conducted using a block of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band, provided by the National Public Services Authority (ASEP). The pilot tests involved collaboration with commercial, tourism, and port firms and were expected to last two to three months. The 5G trials marked the beginning of Panama's entry into the 5G era, with plans to allocate more spectrum for 5G services by the end of 2024.
5G Frequency Bands
5G Network Events
| Date | Event | Subtype |
|---|