Viettel, Claro, Entel, and Integratel secure 5G spectrum in Peru

Mobile operators Bitel, Claro, Entel and Integratel have obtained spectrum blocks to deploy 5G technology in Peru.

In an auction held on September 12, Bitel achieved the highest score with its additional coverage offer and therefore gained priority to choose its location within the band. The company selected the 3400–3500MHz block.

Unlike previous tenders, the award was made in exchange for mandatory investment commitments.

"Viettel has invested heavily in infrastructure deployment and is growing its user base," Virginia Nakagawa, a consultant at Kaiteki Regulation, told BNamericas. "It's managing to understand the market's needs."

The Vietnamese company has accelerated its investments and managed to increase its user base from 8.75 million as of December 31, 2024, to 10.1 million by the end of June, consolidating its position as the third-largest operator in the market. In the first half of the year, it was the second-largest investor, with 370 million soles (US$105.4 million), a 97.5% year-over-year increase.

Market leader Claro achieved a score that allowed it to win second place during the auction, securing the 3500-3600MHz block.

Entel was awarded the 3300-3400MHz block and Integratel obtained the 3600-3700MHz block.

The 3700-3800 MHz block remained unbidden. Americatel, which had prequalified for the bidding process, did not participate in the auction.

According to Nakagawa, this available block could be used for private mining and port services. "This is an issue that the MTC must put on its urgent agenda," he said.

Investment commitments

The investment commitments include bringing 4G services to 1,221 already announced rural localities and 295 additional cities, as well as deploying infrastructure along 2,230km of national highways.

The minimum estimated investment amounts to US$506 million.

"I think the MTC played a good role when it defined that coverage commitments can be provided through 4G frequencies. That's extremely important because it's understood that for ordinary citizens, 4G is more than sufficient," Nakagawa said.

In a press release, Integratel Perú announced that it will bring 4G to 437 rural communities and connect 545 kilometers of roads across the country. It will also provide 5G to 92 public entities, including hospitals, schools, and Pan American Games venues.

Claro offered coverage to 416 towns and more than 540km of highways, in addition to ensuring connectivity in key public institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals, and venues for the Pan American Games.

(The original version of this content was written in Spanish)