Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has authorised the integration of the mobile access networks of Movistar and Tigo, via a new infrastructure company which will have a common ownership.

The SIC approved the tie-up plans, but added conditions aimed at avoiding impacts on wholesale markets; ensuring proper governance; avoiding impacts on coverage; guaranteeing the separation of network cores; and ensuring compliance with the principles of free competition.

The companies say that 35 million subscribers across 700 municipalities stand to benefit from the shared network. In addition, they have indicated that the JV will be the vehicle used for the deployment of a shared 5G network.