Colombia, set in the northwest of South America, is a nation of diverse terrain ranging from coastlines to rugged mountains. Its population centres, primarily found in the metropolitan areas of Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, are well connected through a widespread telecommunications network. However, meagre infrastructure exists in rural sections, causing a digital divide. To counter this, the government launched initiatives like Compartel and the Vive Digital Plan, designed to enhance internet access in remote regions. In the technological sector, Colombia is also leading in Latin America with its burgeoning IT industry, mainly centred in Medellin, hailed as the Silicon Valley of South America. In terms of renewable energy, Colombia’s geography offers a huge potential for hydropower which it has effectively harnessed and is now one of the top providers of hydroelectric power.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Claro is the largest mobile network operating in Colombia. Claro began providing GSM services in 2003 then as Comcel (with a history dating back to 1994), rebranding to Claro in June 2012 following its acquisition by América Móvil. Claro Colombia is a subsidiary of América Móvil S.A.B. de C.V, an international telecommunications group with operations in a range of countries throughout South America.
The Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá (ETB) is a key telecommunications company in Colombia, primarily operating in Cundinamarca, Tolima and Villavicencio. The company was established on August 28, 1884, by a Cuban named José Raimundo Martínez, who founded the Colombian Telephone Company, or "La Compañia Colombiana de Telefonos (CTC)". Initially headquartered in the Arrubla Galleries in Bogotá, the company resumed service as The Bogotá Telephone Company following a fire in 1900 that destroyed its original premises. In 1932, the city administration took control of the telephone service...
Movistar Colombia is one of the largest telecommunications operators in Chile. Previously a wholly state-owned enterprise, in 2005 the company merged with international telecoms giant Telefónica and subsequently rebranded to Movistar. The company is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. ESP is a majority owned by Telefónica, S.A, with the remaining share owned by the government of Colombia.
Tigo is the third largest mobile network operating in Colombia, founded in 2002. The company merged with competitor Une (Une EPM Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P.) in August 2014 to strengthen its position against competitors. Tigo is a fully owned subsidiary of Millicom (Millicom International Cellular SA), a NASDAQ listed mobile operator specialising in emerging markets.