Mexico launches interactive network map for Otis-battered zones

Mexican telecoms regulator IFT unveiled an interactive map for users to check the availability of mobile networks in Guerrero state, one of the areas most severely affected by Hurricane Otis.

The tool, available on IFT's website, will be updated on a daily basis showing the progress of works by carriers to restore communications in the Acapulco zone, IFT said.

The platform monitors the availability of telecom services such as messages, calls and internet browsing, using a color-code representing from intermittent coverage to full-service availability, according to the regulator.

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Chilean regulator Subtel started to discuss with local telcos updates to the sector’s concession framework, which would include the reduction in the period operators can make use of spectrum on a primary basis. 

As it stands, the country's general telecoms law entitles companies to 30 years, renewable once, for spectrum license. The government considers that to be very long given the new dynamics in the sector with the large number of players and could be reduced for new concessions. 

Subtel is also said to be mulling reinforcing user rights in a reformed regulation.

A first meeting between Subtel and the industry took place on October 30. Participating were the head of industry association Chile Telcos, Alfie Ulloa, as well as representatives of Claro, DirecTV, Entel, Movistar and WOM.

The meetings are expected to continue over the coming weeks and will include other sector associations, academia and civil society, before any bill is submitted to congress, said Subtel.

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Colombian watchdog CRC is also discussing regulatory changes in the telecom sector.

The objective is to “leverage competition in the sector and promote user well-being,” according to the agency.

CRC included six new topics in its working agenda relating to the issues and launched a public consultation.

The proposed measures focus on active and passive telecoms infrastructure, protection of user rights in portability, and transparency of information on rates, plans and service conditions.

They also contemplate a new framework for MVNOs, an update of formats for the reporting of information by operators and asymmetric rules for mobile service operators, according to their position in the market.

Details of the consultation can be found here. Interested parties may submit comments until November 24 to measuresmoviles@crcom.gov.co.