This chapter presents an overview of Colombia’s communication markets, with a focus on broadband infrastructure deployment, service provision, market dynamics and trends shaping the connectivity ecosystem. Structured in three parts, it first reviews key indicators on the availability, quality and affordability of broadband, highlighting regional disparities. The second section explores communication market structures in both fixed and mobile broadband segments. The final section examines the influence of over-the-top service providers on broadband market developments. In so doing, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the communication sector’s progress and challenges in Colombia.
OECD Digital Connectivity Review of Colombia
Abstract
Digital connectivity, the backbone of digital transformation, is a key driver of Colombia’s economic growth and social inclusion. Colombia is an upper middle-income country with a population of around 52.6 million. This makes it the third largest country in Latin America (after Brazil and Mexico) with a landmass of just over 1.1 million square kilometres (twice the size of France). Its gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is among the lowest among OECD Member countries (OECD, 2024[1]). Following a strong post-pandemic rebound, Colombia’s economy slowed to 0.6% of GDP growth in 2023, before recovering modestly to an estimated 1.7% in 2024 (OECD, 2024[1]). According to data from Colombia’s National Statistical Office (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, or DANE), the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Colombia grew 3% in 2024 with respect to 2023, outpacing overall economic growth (DANE, 2025[2]). During the past decade, ICTs have accounted for a stable share of Colombia’s GDP (around 4%) ranging from 4.3% in 2014 to 3.5% in 2024 (DANE, 2025[3]).
Over 2014‑2024, Colombia has made significant progress in expanding and improving the availability and quality of digital connectivity, driven by technological advancements in both fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure. The transition from legacy technologies, such as copper and 2G/3G networks, to more advanced solutions like fibre and 4G/5G, has resulted in increased network capacity, improved broadband service quality and broader coverage. However, digital connectivity infrastructure deployment and adoption still fall short of regional and international benchmarks, indicating the persistence of important barriers to further progress.
Colombia has made strides in fixed broadband over the past decade but still trails OECD averages. Fixed broadband penetration in Colombia has grown from 11.3 to 17.9 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants over the past decade (2014‑2024) (Figure 2.1). However, this figure is roughly half the OECD average and is the lowest among OECD Member countries. On the other hand, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks have expanded rapidly, representing over 48.2% of all fixed broadband connections. This makes fibre the most common fixed broadband access technology in the country (Figure 2.3).
Fixed broadband and fibre penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants) in 2014 and 2024
Note: “OECD-LATAM” refers to the average of the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. OECD refers to the average of all 38 OECD Member countries.
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
The technological shift of fixed networks towards fibre is evident: from virtually no subscriptions in 2014, fibre reached a penetration of 8.6 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants by 2024. This increase in fibre adoption has been mainly driven by fibre rollout in Colombia’s major cities. Nevertheless, this rate remains well below the average of OECD Member countries in Latin America (henceforth, OECD-LATAM) (13.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants), and less than half the overall OECD average of 17.1 subscriptions per 100 (Figure 2.1).
Mobile broadband has driven connectivity expansion in Colombia over the past decade. Mobile subscriptions experienced impressive growth: nationwide mobile broadband penetration more than doubled, rising from 39.3 per 100 inhabitants in 2014 to 95.4 per 100 inhabitants in 2024. Colombia’s growth slightly outpaces the growth seen in other OECD-LATAM Member countries over the past decade. The picture is less encouraging in relation to 5G: with just 7.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, Colombia remains far below the OECD average of 41.4 per 100 inhabitants and lags behind the OECD-LATAM average of 16.6 (Figure 2.2).
Despite advances in fixed and mobile broadband penetration over the past decade, significant gaps remain in broadband adoption and infrastructure deployment, especially in rural and remote regions. In 2024, 34% of all Colombian households did not have Internet access, with the percentage rising to over 58.1% in rural and remote areas. With regards to the use of transformative digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the ICT survey is revealing. Across Colombia, 18.0% of individuals above five years of age reported using AI tools in 2024, but only 8.1% of people in rural areas reported using them (DANE, 2025[5]). These figures highlight the extent of spatial connectivity and digital divides.
Mobile and 5G penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants) in 2014 and 2024 in Colombia
Note: OECD-LATAM refers to the average of the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico where data is available. Data for 5G subscriptions for Costa Rica is unavailable and not included in the OECD-LATAM 5G subscriptions per 100 inhabitants average. OECD refers to the average of OECD Member countries where data is available (38/38 Member countries for total mobile subscriptions and 23/38 Member countries for 5G subscriptions).
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
2.1.1. Broadband availability
Fixed broadband connectivity measured by total connections in Colombia surged by 82.2% between 2014 and 2024, compared to an average of 40.6% for the OECD over the same period. Total fixed broadband subscriptions increased from approximately 5 million to just over 9 million by 2024 (Figure 2.3). This growth has been accompanied by a notable shift away from legacy networks, with copper DSL subscriptions declining by 94.6% over the same period. Cable nearly doubled its subscriber base from 2014 to 2024, reaching 4.1 million; however, fibre connections surpassed cable in 2024.
Total fibre subscriptions grew in Colombia over 60-fold in the past decade, from around 69 000 in 2014 to more than 4.4 million in 2024. FTTH became the most prevalent fixed broadband access technology in Colombia in 2024, accounting for 48.2% of total fixed broadband connections (Figure 2.3), which compares to an OECD average of 46.9% (OECD, 2025[4]). Fixed wireless access (FWA) in Colombia accounted for 2.2% of total fixed broadband subscriptions, while satellite broadband accounted for less than 1% in 2024 (Figure 2.3).
Total fixed broadband subscriptions by technology, 2014-2024
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
Fixed broadband penetration in Colombia rose from 11.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2014 to 17.9 in 2024, with fibre penetration reaching 8.6 per 100 inhabitants. While fibre has grown in Colombia, both overall fixed broadband and fibre penetration remain low compared to the OECD average and regional peers. Colombia’s overall fixed broadband penetration is 17% below the average of OECD‑LATAM Member countries (21.5 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants) and is less than half the broader OECD average (36.6 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants). Fibre penetration in Colombia (8.6 per 100 inhabitants) compares with an OECD average of 46.9 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants and is 35% lower than in regional peers such as Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico (Figure 2.4).
Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by technology in 2014 and 2024
Note: Brazil is in the process of accession to the OECD. OECD-LATAM refers to the average of the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. OECD refers to the average of all 38 OECD Member countries.
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
Mobile broadband has similarly evolved, phasing out legacy networks and moving towards more advanced mobile technologies. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions grew from approximately 17.6 million in 2014 to 49.2 million in 2024. The pace of growth was particularly accelerated between 2020 and 2022, coinciding with WOM’s entry into the market and with the COVID-19 pandemic. During that two-year period, total mobile broadband subscriptions increased by over 40% compared to a 10% increase in OECD Member countries (Figure 2.5).
The transition from 2G and 3G to 4G networks reflects substantial investment in infrastructure and sustained efforts to enhance network quality. Data from the sectoral regulator, the Communications Regulation Commission (Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones, or CRC), reported 29 820 mobile sites in operation, with 95% supporting 4G services in December 2024 (CRC, 2025[6]). This network infrastructure extends to approximately 97% of municipal centres and populated areas, reaching 91% of the population in 2024 (CRC, 2025[6]).
Technological evolution highlights the transformation of Colombia’s mobile infrastructure. In 2014, the mobile network relied predominantly on legacy technologies, with 2G accounting for 61% of all mobile connections and 3G for approximately 36% (GSMA Intelligence, 2025[7]). In 2014, 4G services accounted for only 3% of total connections. However, by 2024, 2G had been effectively phased out and 3G lines in service declined to 33%. Meanwhile, 4G had become the dominant standard, accounting for 63% of all mobile connections in Colombia in Q4 2024 (GSMA Intelligence, 2025[7]).
More recently, the launch of 5G represents a significant milestone. The commercial deployment of 5G began in February 2024, following a spectrum auction held in late 2023. In this auction, four 80‑MHz blocks in the 3.5 GHz band were awarded to Claro, the Tigo-Movistar joint venture, WOM and Telecall. The Ministry of Information Technology and Communications of Colombia (MinTIC) had outlined the technical and financial requirements for participation in the 5G spectrum auction (MinTIC Resolution 3947 of 2023). The subsequent granting of 20-year spectrum licences in February 2024 provided the regulatory certainty needed to initiate deployment (MinTIC, 2023[8]). However, after the auction took place, one of the bidders based in Brazil (Telecall) failed to make the payments required on this spectrum licence and the MinTIC opened an administrative process for incompliance (DPL News, 2025[9]).
By the end of 2024, mobile network operators had installed 1 433 active 5G mobile sites across 43 municipalities. Claro was responsible for 92.2% of these sites, while Tigo and Movistar, operating as a shared network, accounted for the remaining 7.8%. WOM had not reported any 5G deployment as of December 2024 (CRC, 2025[6]). Telecall had not started deploying infrastructure at the time of writing.
Colombia’s 5G delayed rollout, later than most OECD Member countries, has resulted in low 5G adoption to date. In 2024, 5G subscriptions accounted for 7.7% of total mobile broadband subscriptions (3.8 million 5G subscriptions) (Figure 2.5). Colombia, with 7.3 5G subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, lagged behind both regional (OECD‑LATAM, 16.6 5G subscriptions) and OECD averages (41.4 5G subscriptions) in 2024 (Figure 2.2).
Total mobile broadband subscriptions by technology, 2014-2024
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
Despite Colombia’s substantial progress, it still lags behind regional and OECD benchmarks with respect to mobile broadband penetration. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions grew from approximately 17.6 million in 2014 to 49.2 million in 2024. The pace of growth was particularly accelerated between 2020 and 2022. This coincided with WOM’s entry into the market, when the subscriber base increased by over 40% in just two years. Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants grew from 39.3 in 2014 to 95.4 in 2024, a 143% increase. However, Colombia’s penetration remains lower than the OECD regional benchmark (101.0) and Latin American peers: Chile (104.1), Mexico (104.4) and Brazil (97.3). It also trails the OECD average of 139.9 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (Figure 2.6).
Colombia’s 5G penetration of 7.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants is significantly lower than the OECD average (41.4), as well as of regional peers such as Chile (28.5), Mexico (14) and Brazil (18.7) in 2024. This indicates Colombia lags in both infrastructure deployment and user adoption (Figure 2.6). The incipient rollout of infrastructure is a key factor. Other potential barriers, such as the cost of compatible devices, uneven geographic coverage or limited public awareness of the benefits of 5G, may play a role in its modest adoption.
Mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by technology in 2014 and 2024
Note: Brazil is in the process of accession to the OECD. “OECD-LATAM” refers to the average of the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico where data is available. Data for 5G subscriptions for Costa Rica was unavailable and not included in the OECD-LATAM average for 5G penetration (i.e. subscriptions per 100 inhabitants). “OECD” refers to the average of OECD Member countries where data is available (38/38 Member countries for total mobile subscriptions and 23/38 Member countries for 5G subscriptions).
Source: OECD (2025[4]), OECD Broadband Statistics, http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/broadband-statistics, https://oe.cd/broadband-statistics.
Despite Colombia’s advances in mobile broadband, its penetration lags compared to OECD and regional averages. Demand-side hurdles such as affordability, digital literacy and geographic inequality may be inhibiting broader uptake of mobile broadband. To fully capitalise on infrastructure investments, Colombia must confront these issues directly, ensuring that new networks reach underserved communities.
2.1.2. Broadband quality
The performance of fixed broadband services in Colombia outperforms the OECD average for upload speeds and the average for both upload and download speeds of regional peers in the OECD in Q4 2024. By late 2024, average download speeds had reached 196.5 Megabits per second (Mbps), while upload speeds averaged 144.4 Mbps (Ookla). These figures placed the country well above the OECD Latin American average (152.4 Mbps download, 104.8 Mbps upload), and ahead of the OECD average for upload speeds (119.0 Mbps).
Despite the high performance of its fixed broadband services, Colombia still lagged behind the OECD and regional peers in download speeds. In Q4 2024, Colombia had average download speeds of 196.5 Mbps compared to 242.2 Mbps in the OECD. Colombia also remained behind regional frontrunners such as Chile (361.9 Mbps download, 306.5 Mbps upload), followed by Peru, Brazil and Uruguay, all of which exceeded Colombia’s download speeds in Q4 2024 (Figure 2.7).
With respect to latency, Colombia outpaced the OECD but still ranked behind regional peers. Lower latency means a shorter round trip of information within networks – an important performance metric, especially for critical applications. Colombia recorded an average latency of 11.2 milliseconds (ms) over its fixed networks, slightly outperforming the OECD average of 12.8 ms. However, it remained higher than regional peers such as Chile (8.1 ms) and Mexico (9.7 ms), and above the OECD‑LATAM average of 9.9 ms.
Colombia’s positive results in terms of fixed broadband quality come with an important caveat. Colombia has the lowest fixed broadband penetration and fibre penetration among OECD Member countries. Consequently, only a small proportion of the Colombian population benefit from high-quality fixed broadband.
Average fixed broadband download and upload speeds, national averages, Q4 2024, Ookla
Note: Measurements are based on tests performed by users around the globe via the Speedtest platform. The OECD-LATAM value is a weighted average of download and upload speeds, weighted by the number of tests performed in each country. OECD-LATAM refers to OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Source: OECD analysis of Speedtest by Ookla (2025), Global Fixed and Mobile Network Performance Maps.
There is a clear association between the technological composition of broadband networks and performance outcomes. Chile, for example, with a fibre penetration rate of more than twice that of Colombia (16.2 vs. 7.1 per 100 inhabitants), consistently ranks highest in both download and upload speeds. Similarly, Peru and Brazil, both with higher levels of fibre uptake (17.9 and 14.8, respectively), report stronger performance.
However, this clear association is not universal. Mexico and Costa Rica, despite having fibre penetration rates broadly similar to or above Colombia’s, do not surpass it in terms of speed. This suggests that while fibre deployment is a critical enabler of high-speed connectivity, other factors may also play a decisive role. These could include the architecture of the access network, the quality of backhaul infrastructure and the implementation of advanced technologies in networks. In Colombia’s case, the relative symmetry of upload and download speeds may be due to two factors: its relatively recent fibre rollout, as networks are built to more modern technical standards; and the high share of fibre of total fixed broadband subscriptions (48.2%, on par with the OECD average of 46.9% in Q4 2024) (Figure 2.3) (OECD, 2025[4]).
In contrast, mobile broadband performance in Colombia falls short of regional and OECD benchmarks, possibly related to the limited deployment and adoption of 5G networks. This is important, as the main way Colombians access broadband connectivity is through mobile networks. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Colombia’s average mobile broadband download speed was 53.5 Mbps, below OECD‑LATAM countries (66.4 Mbps) and significantly behind the overall OECD average (162.3 Mbps) (Ookla). Within the Latin American region, Colombia trailed Brazil (204.5 Mbps), Chile (91.3 Mbps) and Mexico (61.5 Mbps). However, Colombia performed better than others in the region, such as Ecuador (44 Mbps), Peru (34 Mbps) and Venezuela (26.6 Mbps) in Q4 2024 (Ookla) (Figure 2.8).
Average mobile broadband download and upload speeds, national averages, Q4 2024, Ookla
Note: Measurements are based on tests performed by users around the globe via the Speedtest platform. OECD-LATAM value is a weighted average of download and upload speeds with the number of tests performed in each country as weights. The OECD value is a weighted average of mobile broadband download speeds in OECD Member countries where data are available. OECD-LATAM refers to the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of Speedtest by Ookla (2025[10]), Global Fixed and Mobile Network Performance Maps.
With respect to 4G network performance, Colombia lags behind the OECD and regional peers. According to data from Opensignal, the average download speed experienced on 4G networks in Colombia was 18.7 Mbps in the second quarter of 2025. This was significantly below the OECD Latin American average of 29.4 Mbps and much lower than the overall OECD benchmark of 53.2 Mbps. Compared to regional neighbours, Colombia also falls behind Mexico (38.9 Mbps), Brazil (34.9 Mbps) and Costa Rica (33.9 Mbps) (Figure 2.9). Moreover, 84% of all mobile subscriptions in Colombia were based on 4G at the end of 2024, according to CRC data. These data suggest a lack of capacity in 4G networks, which may benefit from more spectrum availability or more efficient spectrum use. Furthermore, additional investment is needed to upgrade the network’s technology and expand its capacity to meet increasing demand. These data may suggest congestion in 4G networks, which could benefit from additional spectrum or improved spectrum efficiency. More investment is needed to upgrade network technology and increase capacity to meet rising demand, as well as to expand networks for better coverage.
In contrast, Colombia’s 5G network performance is much more promising, although according to the CRC, 5G represented only 7.7% of total mobile subscriptions in the initial rollout. According to Opensignal data, the country achieved an average 5G download speed of 200.3 Mbps, beating both the OECD‑LATAM average (135.7 Mbps) and the OECD overall (199.0 Mbps). This places Colombia ahead of Mexico (159.2 Mbps) and Chile (132.8 Mbps). Meanwhile, Colombia remains behind Argentina (340.6 Mbps) and Brazil, which led the LAC in terms of 5G download speeds in Q2 2025 (345.0 Mbps) (Figure 2.9).
These results come with a caveat. The initial 5G rollout phase has been technically successful and relatively congestion-free. This was likely due to the limited number of active users at this early stage (7.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants at the end of 2024). However, given the nascent stage of 5G deployment, these figures only refer to limited territorial coverage focussed on main cities and to a small portion of the Colombian population.
By the end of 2024, 5G networks in Colombia only reached 15% of the population. This compares to 85% of the population across OECD Member countries (GSMA Intelligence, 2025[7]). Nevertheless, Colombia’s 5G deployment, supported by the 2023 spectrum auction and recent infrastructure expansion, seems to be producing noticeable improvements in network quality.
5G and 4G mobile download speeds experienced by user, national averages, Q2 2025
Note: Figures for OECD and OECD-LATAM represent simple averages of data for available OECD Member countries. OECD-LATAM refers to the OECD Member countries in the Latin American region: Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Source: OECD based on data from Opensignal (2025[11]), Insights, www.opensignal.com.
The contrast between Colombia’s low 4G speeds and its strong 5G results highlights an ongoing technological shift. For most Colombians, 4G is the most prevalent type of mobile connectivity in the country, while the country’s relatively strong 5G results are mainly concentrated in urban areas. Legacy mobile infrastructure remains strained, especially regarding 4G service quality. However, early insights into 5G investments, albeit non-standalone relying on 4G core networks, show significant potential to close performance gaps. This potential could be realised if further rollout continues with consistent regulatory clarity, investment and competitive pressure. Within the context of 5G licences acquired, Colombian operators only have coverage obligations in capitals and main cities with more than 200 000 inhabitants in the next seven years. In this context, expanding 5G services beyond initial urban areas could play an important role for ensuring national improvements in mobile broadband quality.
2.1.3. Broadband affordability
The affordability of communication services, as well as devices, is a key determinant of adoption. High prices can pose challenging demand-side barriers to overcome in order to bridge digital divides. Several factors influence the price of communication services, including the level of competition in communication markets.
Over the past decade, broadband prices in Colombia have dropped significantly. As of June 2025, Colombia’s fixed broadband standalone and bundled services aligned with OECD average prices for both low- and medium-usage profiles. Mobile broadband rates in Colombia have fallen even faster, with prices for all usage profiles (low, medium and high) 50‑65% below OECD averages in Q2 2025.
Fixed broadband services
Since 2022, fixed broadband prices in Colombia have gradually aligned with OECD averages. The low-usage profile basket (i.e. plans with 20 gigabytes [GB] of data allowance and download speeds of more than 25 Mbps) saw a significant price decrease between 2017 to Q2 2025. Measured in USD purchasing power parity (PPP), prices dropped from 119.42 to 45.14 over this period. Similarly, the medium-usage profile (120 GB, > 100 Mbps) declined from USD PPP 180.83 in 2018 to USD PPP 39.94 in 2023. It then increased slightly to USD PPP 45.14 in Q2 2025. These are slightly higher than OECD average prices for low usage (USD PPP 38.10) and medium usage (USD PPP 40.93) profiles in Q2 2025 (Figure 2.10).1
Prices of fixed broadband baskets representing low- and medium-usage patterns
Note: The OECD methodology of the standalone telecommunication price baskets defines fixed broadband baskets to represent the typical usage patterns in a country. Those chosen for publication to represent user profiles are low (20 GB, >25 Mbps) and medium (120 GB, >100 Mbps). Prices for the high-user profile (900 GB, >1 000 Mbps) have not been represented due to a lack of data for the entire period, given the limited use of this profile in the Colombian market. GB = Gigabyte. Mbps = Megabits per second (OECD, 2017[12]). Price figures have been deflated per country per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2024) and then converted to USD PPP with 2024 exchange rates.
Source: OECD (2025[14]), OECD Communication Price Basket Benchmarking systems, “Fixed broadband price benchmarking tool”, June 2017 to June 2025, (database).
Prices for bundled services followed a similar downward trajectory, an important development as bundles represent an important segment of Colombia’s fixed broadband market. Almost 70% of all fixed broadband subscriptions in Colombia are offered in bundles. As of December 2024, triple-play packages, comprising Internet, telephony and television, accounted for 40.9% of all fixed-line subscriptions. Double-play offers (fixed broadband and fixed voice telephony) represented a further 17.2% (OECD, 2025[15]).
Colombia’s prices for triple-play and double-play bundles have both fallen in recent years, while prices for low-usage profiles resembled the OECD average. Between Q2 2020 and Q1 2025, prices in Colombia for low-usage profiles of triple-play bundles (i.e. 60 GB of data allowance, speeds of more than 25 Mbps, 20 calls and 20 TV channels), fell from USD PPP 91.2 to USD PPP 67. During the same period, prices for medium-high usage bundles in Colombia (i.e. 240 GB, >250 Mbps broadband, 60 calls and 40 channels), declined from USD PPP 187.78 to USD PPP 91.59. In Q1 2025, Colombia’s prices were on par with the OECD average for low-usage profiles (USD PPP 66.92) and slightly lower than the OECD average for medium-high usage profiles (USD PPP 96.60) (Figure 2.11).2
This downward trend in both standalone and bundled fixed broadband services aligns with increased price competition and cost efficiencies in Colombian communication markets. It is likely driven by network upgrades, phase-out of legacy networks and deployment of FTTH.
Price of triple-play bundles (fixed broadband, fixed voice and pay television), low- and medium-high usage profiles
Note: The OECD methodology for bundled communication price baskets defines triple-play (FBB-FV-TV) bundles to represent typical usage patterns. Those chosen for publication to represent user profiles are low (FBB: 25 Mbps, FV: 20 calls (OECD, 2017[12]), TV: 20 channels) and medium-high (FBB: 250 Mbps, FV: 60 calls (OECD, 2017[12]), TV: 40 channels including premium movies). FBB: Fixed Broadband. FV: Fixed Voice. TV: Television. Mbps = Megabits per second. OECD (2020), “OECD bundled communication price baskets”. Price figures have been deflated per country per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2024) and then converted to USD PPP with 2024 exchange rates.
Source: OECD (2025[15]), OECD Communication Price Basket Benchmarking systems, “OECD Bundled Communication Price Benchmarking tool”, July 2020 to January 2025, (database).
Mobile broadband services
Between May 2017 and May 2025, the price of mobile broadband services in Colombia fell markedly across all usage profiles. Low-usage plans (i.e. 100 calls and 500 Megabytes [MB] of data allowance) dropped by 62% – from USD PPP 26.43 to USD PPP 9.97 between Q2 2017 and Q2 2025. Medium-usage (300 calls, 1 GB) and high-usage (900 calls, 2 GB) plans saw even steeper declines over the same period, with all three usage tiers converging at USD 9.97 by Q2 2025 (Figure 2.12).3
The pace of price reduction in Colombia has exceeded that observed across the OECD. In 2025, Colombian consumers paid between 32‑53% less for comparable mobile broadband plans (low-, medium- and high-usage profiles) than the OECD average. These affordability gains have likely contributed to the expansion of mobile broadband adoption, although they have also exerted sustained pressure on operator revenues and profitability.
These price trends also likely reflect the increased level of retail-based competition in the mobile broadband market. Prices and convergence of plans declined steeply around the time of WOM’s entry into the market in 2020. While WOM officially started operations in 2021, it had acquired spectrum in 2019. Around this time (2019‑2021), mobile offers converged towards unlimited plans in terms of data volumes (GB) in most OECD Member countries, including Colombia, and the Colombian market experienced important price decreases due to market entry.
Prices of mobile voice and data baskets representing low-, medium- and high-usage profiles
Note: The OECD methodology of the stand-alone telecommunication price baskets defines mobile voice and data price baskets to represent the typical usage patterns in a country. Those chosen for publication to represent user profiles are low (100 calls, 0.5 GB), medium (300 calls, 1 GB) and high (900 calls, 2 GB). GB = Gigabyte (OECD, 2017[12]). Price figures have been deflated per country per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (2025[13]) (based on 2024) and then converted to USD PPP with 2024 exchange rates.
Source: OECD (2025[16]), OECD Communication Price Basket Benchmarking systems, “Mobile Voice and Data price benchmarking tool”, May 2017 to May 2025, (database).
2.1.4. Spatial connectivity divides
Colombia’s broadband landscape has experienced significant expansion and modernisation over the past decade (2014‑2024). Significant investments in fixed and mobile networks have improved technology and broadened coverage. Fibre has become the leading access technology in the fixed broadband sector, and its performance now exceeds many international benchmarks. Mobile broadband is now dominated by 4G, while the early deployment of 5G seems promising.
Nonetheless, major challenges remain to bridge connectivity divides in the urban-rural continuum. Fixed broadband access still lags behind regional and OECD averages. Meanwhile, mobile networks, particularly 4G, are underperforming in terms of speed, coverage and quality. Furthermore, national averages often hide big differences between urban and remote areas, where significant territorial disparities persist. While the rollout of 5G is promising, initial phases have concentrated in major urban centres as is the case in many OECD Member countries.
Despite progress, regional disparities in access and quality still exist across both fixed and mobile broadband services in Colombia. Internet access is unavailable in 34.4% of Colombian households. The percentage rises to 58% in rural and remote areas, highlighting the extent of the digital divide (DANE, 2025[5]).
Performance data confirm the spatial connectivity divide. In Q4 2024, median fixed download speeds in metropolitan regions of Colombia exceeded 182.0 Mbps. Conversely, rural areas (regions far from a metropolitan area) recorded speeds of less than half as fast, averaging 75.9 Mbps (Figure 2.13).
Median fixed download speeds, small regions (TL3) classification, 2019-2024
Note: Data for Costa Rica and Israel are unavailable. Average of median download speeds experienced, weighted by the number of tests. Measurements are based on tests performed by users worldwide via the Speedtest platform. Within small regions (TL3 classification), the OECD has three main classifications: “Metropolitan regions”, “Regions near a metropolitan area” and “Regions far from a metropolitan area”. The last category has two further subcategories: “Regions close to small/medium cities” and “Remote regions”. OECD average refers to the average of all regions in all OECD Member countries where data is available. OECD-LATAM average refers to the average of all regions in OECD Member countries in the Latin American region where data is available: Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of Ookla (2025[17]), Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence Data.
International comparisons further illustrate the digital gap. While metropolitan areas in Colombia exceed both the average of OECD‑LATAM countries (123.6 Mbps) and the OECD average across all regions (177.8 Mbps), rural Colombia remains significantly below both benchmarks. The average speed in rural regions in Colombia (75.9 Mbps) is 43% (1.75 times) slower than the OECD average for the same type of regions (132.7 Mbps) (Q4 2024, Ookla).
Fixed download speeds have improved across all regions since 2019. While speeds in areas far from a metropolitan area have increased more than 10-fold, speeds in metropolitan areas grew by over 17-fold. This has widened the absolute gap (in Mbps) over 2019‑2024. In Q4, the gap between metropolitan areas and areas far from a metropolitan area was over 100 Mbps (Figure 2.13). This gap follows normal upgrade cycles that typically focus in urban areas to recoup investments. However, it also underscores the need for continued efforts to bridge connectivity divides as digital transformation advances.
Mobile broadband infrastructure and performance display similar territorial inequalities. According to CRC data, the rollout of mobile broadband infrastructure has mainly focussed on densely populated urban centres and areas with high demand for digital services. Departments such as Bogotá, Antioquia and Valle del Cauca have attracted most network investments. Conversely, remote and sparsely populated regions, especially in the Amazonian areas of Guainía, Vaupés and Amazonas, continue to face significant deployment gaps.
Territorial differences span across technologies: although 4G has become the main technology nationwide, its coverage remains uneven and suggests the need for further network expansion. As of late 2024, CRC data indicated that only 19% of urban areas had 5G coverage. Bogotá led at 69%, followed by Medellín (53%), Cali (53%), Barranquilla (33%) and Cartagena (17%). Outside these key cities, 5G coverage is minimal (CRC, 2025[6]). Operators may make use of the so-called national automatic roaming arrangement to extend their coverage. Through this mechanism, their users can access mobile services via the networks of other operators that do have coverage in a given area (see Chapter 3).
This territorial imbalance in infrastructure deployment is reflected in the performance of mobile networks across all regions over the past five years (2019‑2024). In Q1 2019, download speeds in regions far from metropolitan areas averaged 9.5 Mbps compared to 14.6 Mbps in metropolitan areas – a difference of 5.1 Mbps. By Q4 2024, although all regions saw improvements, the gap had widened significantly to 25 Mbps: metropolitan regions recorded 42.6 Mbps, while regions far from a metropolitan area recorded only 17.6 Mbps. This is most likely due to network upgrades that have been focussed on metropolitan areas to recoup investments. Areas near cities had speeds of 19.8 Mbps in Q4 2024, slightly better than in remote areas but still significantly lower than metropolitan benchmarks (Figure 2.14).
Colombia’s mobile download speeds across all regions, including metropolitan areas, remain below the OECD regional and overall averages (49.6 Mbps and 113.3 Mbps, respectively (Figure 2.14). Comparing similar regions, the average speed in Colombia’s rural areas (17.6 Mbps) is 78% (4.6 times) lower than the OECD average for comparable regions (81.6 Mbps) (Q4 2024, Ookla). Colombia’s mobile download speeds stayed steady across all regions from 2019 to 2023 and improved significantly in metropolitan areas in 2024, increasing the gap between regions to 25 Mbps.
Analysis of median broadband download speeds across Colombian departments reveals clear territorial disparities. Departments in central and northern metropolitan areas, major metropolitan areas and coastal regions, including Cundinamarca, Bogotá D.C. and Antioquia (Valle de Aburrá), have high-quality fixed connectivity, above the national median. These correspond to highly urbanised and economically dynamic regions. Departments predominantly in the Andean departments, such as Valle del Cauca, Boyacá, Caldas and Nariño, have speeds that are moderately below the national average. Andean departments have intermediate levels of urbanisation, with one or two strong urban nodes surrounded by rural or mountainous territories. This indicates limited fibre deployment, concentrated in departmental capitals. Finally, the departments mainly in the Amazonian, Pacific and Orinoquía regions remain severely underserved and experience the lowest speeds. These are predominantly found in remote and sparsely populated areas, indicating limited fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure (Figure 2.15).
Median mobile download speeds, small regions (TL3) classification
Note: Data for Costa Rica and Israel are unavailable. Average of median download speeds experienced, weighted by the number of tests. Measurements are based on tests performed by users worldwide via the Speedtest platform. Within small regions (TL3 classification), the OECD has three main classifications: “Metropolitan regions”, “Regions near a metropolitan area” and “Regions far from a metropolitan area”. The last category has two further subcategories: “Regions close to small/medium cities” and “Remote regions” (OECD, 2018[18]). OECD average refers to the average across all regions in all OECD Member countries with available data. OECD-LATAM average refers to the average of all regions in OECD Member countries in the Latin American region where data is available: Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of Ookla (2025[17]), Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence data.
The territorial imbalances are further confirmed by Opensignal data on the consistent quality of mobile networks. The consistent quality of mobile networks is defined as the percentage of tests meeting minimum thresholds for essential tasks like video streaming, voice calls and browsing. This metric examines several indicators, including “download throughput, upload throughput, latency, jitter, packet discard [loss] and time to first byte” (Opensignal, 2025[19]). In Q2 2025, Colombian cities showed a consistent quality of 51.0%. This was significantly below the OECD urban average of 76.3% but ahead of the OECD-LATAM urban average of 48.7%. In towns and semi-dense areas, Colombia’s performance declines to 41.9%; in rural areas, it decreases to just 33.9%. These figures positioned Colombia behind its Latin American regional peers, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Peru, all of which recorded consistent quality above 37.7% in rural areas (Figure 2.16).
This evidence highlights a structural challenge in assessing broadband development. While national averages appear promising, they mask significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Territorial differences in download speeds and consistent quality are growing, mainly due to uneven infrastructure investment. These disparities emphasise the limitations of market-driven deployment in addressing geographic inequality.
Addressing these issues requires a coherent and comprehensive policy approach. Promoting investment in infrastructure must be combined with policies that address territorial disparities and encourage greater adoption, focusing on affordability and other demand drivers such as digital skills development.
Note: CRC data were filtered for the 4G technology and represent an average for the year 2024. Download speeds values per municipality have been aggregated to OECD small regions TL3 entities via simple averages. Values from the four main operators have been aggregated via simple averages.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of Ookla (2025[17]), Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence Dataand of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Quality Indicators for Mobile Data Services based on Crowdsourcing Measurements, https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/indicadores-de-calidad-para-servicios-de-datos-m%C3%B3viles-basados-en-mediciones-crowdsourcing.
Consistent quality of mobile networks’ degree of urbanisation classification, Q2 2025
Note: Figures for OECD represent simple averages of data for OECD Member countries. Statistical confidence intervals are shown for each country. Degree of urbanisation classification. OECD‑LATAM includes data from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. Broadband Consistent Quality (BCQ) measures the network experience from the perspective of a single device, assuming that connectivity has first been established. BCQ specifically measures whether the network can consistently meet the needs of common tasks for a single device.
Source: OECD based on data from Opensignal (2025[11]), Insights, http://www.opensignal.com.
The Colombian broadband market has experienced significant structural changes over the past decade. The rising demand for high-speed connectivity to support new services, particularly audiovisual OTT services such as Video on Demand, has transformed both fixed and mobile broadband offerings. Operators have responded by investing in infrastructure, expanding service options and strengthening their market positions. At the same time, new entrants and innovative business models have shifted market dynamics, particularly in the mobile sector.
A small number of infrastructure-based integrated operators dominate the Colombian communication market. Comcel (Claro), backed by América Móvil, is the leading player across mobile, fixed and pay-TV segments, with a broad national presence. Telefónica Colombia (Movistar), jointly owned by Telefónica Hispanoamérica and the Colombian government, offers a similar range of services and remains a key competitor. Tigo-UNE, jointly owned by Millicom and Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), a public company 100% owned by the municipality of Medellín, also provides converged services. In November 2025, the acquisition of Movistar by Tigo was approved by the competition authority. This merger could reshape competitive dynamics depending on regulatory decisions.
Other players are exerting competitive pressure (Table 2.1). WOM, a new entrant in the mobile market in 2021, has introduced competition into the mobile sector, despite holding a smaller market share at the time of writing. Despite its limited market presence, WOM’s rapid growth and aggressive pricing have prompted major operators to respond. Additionally, service-based MVNOs like Virgin Mobile (Virgin Mobile Colombia S.A.S.), Móvil Éxito (Almacenes Éxito Inversiones S.A.S.) and Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Bogotá (ETB), using Tigo’s mobile network, provide mobile services without owning their own infrastructure. Although they hold limited market shares, their presence enhances consumer choice and service diversity.
Regional or niche operators such as ETB, Starlink, Dialnet, Emcali, HV Multiplay and Celsia Internet offer fixed broadband and pay-TV services within the cities and/or regions they cover. ETB offers communication services in Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Meta and Nariño. For its part, Starlink offers satellite broadband with national coverage but with higher penetration rates in remote regions such as Amazonía and Orinoquía. Dialnet provides services in the northern Caribbean region. Finally, Celsia emphasises fibre-based broadband (FTTH), increasing competition in urban areas, especially where larger operators have less established infrastructure (Table 2.1).
At the wholesale level, InterNexa, ANDIRED and Azteca Comunicaciones provide backbone and transport services to other providers, supporting the broader network and ensuring connectivity across regions. Their role, although less visible to end users, is crucial for nationwide operations (Table 2.1).
Source: OECD elaboration on publicly available data, including Consejo del Municipio de Santiago de Cali (2020[26]), Acuerdo 34 de 1999 and its modification Acuerdo Municipal no. 489 de 2020; Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá (2021[28]), Boletín 6254 de Registros del 21 de octubre de 2021; Grupo Werthein (2021[27]), Grupo Werthein takes ownership of AT&T's Vrio Corp, https://grupowerthein.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/closing-ingles.pdf; Grupo ISA (2022[30]), Lineamientos valoración ISA y sus empresas; Enel (2022[31]), Enel finalizes the renewal of its partnership with Cinven in Ufinet Latam; Tigo-UNE (2023[23]), Proyecto de Acuerdo 146 de 2023 – Enajenación de acciones de EPM en UNE, https://www.epm.com.co/content/dam/epm/inversionistas/informaci%C3%B3n-corporativa/informaci%C3%B3n-relevante/informacion-relevante-2023/proy-acuerdo-146-de-2023-sep_21.pdf; América Móvil (2025[21]), América Móvil’s second quarter of 2025 financial and operating report; ETB (2025[24]), Estados Financieros Intermedios consolidados condensados; Grupo Argos (2025[29]), Presentación corporativa; Telefónica Colombia (2025[22]), Estados Financieros Intermedios Condensados; WOM (2025[25]), WOM Colombia es adquirida por SUR Holdings, asegurando su crecimiento y mejora de los servicios digitales; MinTIC (2025[32]), Servicios de Telecomunicaciones.
2.2.1. Fixed broadband market structure
Over the past ten years, the competitive landscape in Colombia’s fixed broadband market has remained relatively stable and remains geographically fragmented. It is led by three nationwide major national providers: Claro, Tigo-UNE and Movistar, with Claro being the largest. At a regional or local level, markets remain concentrated. Local players with significant market shares, such as ETB, are relevant players in Bogotá, HV Televisión and Celsia, among others. Then, along the country, over 1 000 smaller ISPs compete in certain areas/regions.
Claro retains the largest market share in terms of subscriptions. In seven years, Claro has only declined slightly from 36.8% in the first quarter of 2018 to 35.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Tigo-UNE and Movistar follow, with shares of 17.9% and 16.6%, respectively in Q1 2025. Tigo-UNE has lost ground in recent years, while Movistar has shown resilience, increasing its share from 15.2% to 16.6% between 2018 and 2025. Together, these three national operators hold over 70% of the fixed broadband market, indicating an oligopolistic structure that has been gradually moderated by the growing presence of smaller players (Figure 2.17).
The market share held by smaller ISPs (“other” category in Figure 2.17) grew from 16.9% in Q1 2018 to 22.5% in 2025, demonstrating a slow but increasing presence of smaller and regional operators. Companies such as HV Televisión and Celsia have emerged in recent years with comparatively small but significant market shares. However, ETB has lost market share, declining from 10.1% in 2018 to 6.0% in 2024 (Figure 2.17).
While national shares appear relatively balanced, local-level concentration in the fixed broadband market is intense. According to the CRC, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) exceeds 3 000 points in 990 municipalities of the 1 104 at a national level (i.e. 87% of the national total), signalling a highly concentrated market structure (CRC, 2025[33]). Within this group, 188 municipalities have a dominant operator with a market share of over 90%, and 16 municipalities have a single operator (monopolies). The proposed merger between Movistar and Tigo-UNE may exacerbate this situation, particularly in municipalities where both companies currently operate, including Colombia’s largest cities and their surrounding areas.
These patterns point to a national oligopoly structure in the fixed broadband segment, alongside local monopolies. Entry barriers and deployment costs, therefore, largely depend on local entry conditions. These include access to last-mile infrastructure (passive assets, including ducts and poles); the availability of wholesale access to networks (FTTH); and the scarcity of transport and backhaul outside major urban corridors. This could favour service-based competition initially, followed by infrastructure-based competition.
Fixed broadband market shares as percentage of total subscriptions per operator, 2018-2025
Note: The 2023-Q1 through 2025-Q1 series is preliminary and under review by the CRC.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/suscriptores-e-ingresos-de-internet-fijo/resource/34bbf5b5-0537-4bf0-8836-3f51d1a24162#{}d.
Access to backbone and backhaul and improved wholesale access terms are needed to improve market conditions and strengthen players (e.g. local ISPs) so they can exert credible competitive pressure on established companies. Open-access fibre networks, such as On Net Fibra Colombia, play a strategically important role to foster retail-based competition in communication markets. On Net Fibra, as a wholesale fibre network in Colombia, helps lower deployment costs and entry barriers for operators beyond Movistar, its anchor tenant. On Net Fibra is subject to transparent and non-discriminatory open-access conditions, which can help mitigate last-mile bottlenecks.4 Complementary policies to address transport and backhaul constraints are equally important, particularly to extend competitive supply into less densely populated areas. Access to wholesale fibre backbone and backhaul is crucial for broadband development in Colombia (Box 2.1).
Administrative burdens continue to be a major obstacle to network deployment. The lack of harmonised procedures; the requirement for permits from various authorities; and excessive municipal fees all contribute to increased costs and delays. In some areas, issues such as security risks further hinder network rollout. This combination of institutional fragmentation and regulatory discretion increases transaction costs for operators and reinforces the need for clear co‑ordination mechanisms in the authorisation and deployment process. In this context, Colombian authorities have introduced, in recent years, a series of legislative reforms and complementary soft-law measures to alleviate these constraints and prevent them from becoming structural obstacles to infrastructure deployment (see Chapter 3).
In light of administrative burdens, simplifying approval processes and creating consistent permitting procedures are crucial to promote competition and encourage investment. The CRC Infrastructure Deployment Favourability Index was launched in 2020 to allow for comparisons of the relative easiness to deploy communication network infrastructure across major cities (OECD, 2022[34]). It also evaluates deployment barriers, accreditation status, the regulatory framework, authorisation response times, integration into municipal development plans and the municipal tax burden (see Chapter 3 for further details). In the most recent estimates of the index, Bogotá performs relatively well, with a score of 83.8 (CRC, 2025[35]). By contrast, other highly populated capital cities record substantially lower results. For example, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla score 28.8, 17.5 and 8.8, respectively (CRC, 2025[35]). These disparities suggest that, despite the regulatory efforts of the Colombian authorities, administrative and local-level barriers to network deployment continue to have a material impact on a large share of the population, potentially affecting communication service coverage and quality.
InterNexa
Colombia hosts two large wholesale transport networks, InterNexa and Red Azteca. InterNexa, a wholesale operator ultimately controlled by the Colombian state, was established in the year 2000 to commercialise fibre optic infrastructure deployed along the electric power transmission infrastructure owned and operated by ISA (Interconexión Eléctrica S.A.), a major Latin American energy company headquartered in Colombia. InterNexa operates approximately 12 000 km of fibre and provides services to ISPs, OTTs, public entities and large enterprises. Its wholesale fibre infrastructure is designed to be neutral and open access, facilitating third-party digital expansion and the deployment of private urban and interurban backbone and backhaul networks.
InterNexa’s service portfolio includes dark fibre, lit fibre (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), dedicated Internet access, and local and remote IP transit, as well as public and private cloud services, co-location and data centre offerings. The company maintains strategic submarine cable agreements including Arcos-1 (where it serves as landing party in Colombia), BRUSA (via dark fibre rights acquired from Telxius/Telefónica), SAM-1 and PCCS. Its network footprint spans Colombia and Peru, with commercial representation in the United States.
InterNexa’s role is becoming increasingly more intertwined with the Colombian state. The recent InterNexa 2.0 Strategy seeks to transition the company from a wholesale connectivity provider to a comprehensive digital infrastructure and services company, aligned with Colombia’s national digital transformation agenda. The strategy aims to close digital divides, foster innovation and generate public value through solutions that enhance citizen experience and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Colombian state. As part of this initiative, it has already announced the deployment of 25 new network nodes in more than 20 municipalities considered strategic by the Colombian government (Internexa, 2025[36]), and has launched a Security Operations Centre with AI-driven threat detection (Internexa, 2025[37]).
Red Azteca
Red Azteca was launched in 2011 under Colombia’s Plan Vive Digital as a national fibre backbone initiative to extend high-capacity connectivity to underserved regions. Similar initiatives undertaken across Latin America during that period included Mexico, Peru and Brazil, with the shared objective of deploying wholesale backbone and backhaul infrastructure in areas lacking robust fibre networks.
In 2011, only 325 municipalities in Colombia had fibre infrastructure (MinTIC, 2011[38]). The MinTIC promoted Red Azteca through a public tender, offering a maximum subsidy of COP 415 837 million (USD 225 million). Four formal bids were submitted in the 2011 procurement process for the “National Fibre Optics Project”; two were rejected for failing to meet the requirements. The contract was ultimately awarded to the “Fiber Optic Colombia” temporary consortium between Total Play and TV Azteca (owned by Grupo Salinas, Mexico), referred to as Red Azteca. The temporary consortium committed to reach a coverage of 753 municipalities by 2014 (MinTIC, 2011[38]). In 2025, the consortium claimed the network spanned over 32 000 km and reached more than 900 municipalities, with total private investment exceeding USD 300 million (Azteca Comunicaciones Colombia, 2025[39]).
Despite its scale, Red Azteca’s service portfolio remains limited compared to InterNexa’s, constrained by the concession model and its focus on regions of low commercial attraction. Early signs of structural strain emerged in 2017, with reports of underusage, insufficient revenue to cover operational costs and growing financial liabilities. That same year, Grupo Azteca agreed to inject an additional USD 60 million in capital (Grupo Salinas, 2017[40]), plus additional capital requested to shareholders of Grupo Azteca. By 2022‑2024, the project faced acute financial distress, culminating in a reported debt of nearly USD 100 million and entry into a formal restructuring process under Colombia’s Law 1116 of 2006 (Semana, 2025[41]). In early 2025, Ufinet – a backbone wholesaler provider in Colombia – considered acquiring Red Azteca, the offer was withdrawn before the end of the first quarter (BNamericas, 2025[42]).
The Mexican Group Azteca was also awarded a similar concession in Peru three years after Colombia’s, under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. In 2021, Red Azteca Perú’s usage stood at just 4.7%, with cost recovery at 7.7% in 2020 (Grupo de trabajo sectorial Red Dorsal Nacional de Fibra Óptica, 2022[43]). The Peruvian government terminated the contract in July 2021 on public-interest grounds, reverting the assets to the state. While the legal frameworks differed (concession in Colombia vs. a PPP in Peru), the structural challenges were analogous.
The financial failure of Red Azteca underscores the inherent limitations of deploying high-cost infrastructure in remote areas. Structural gaps in both demand and return on investment persist, making full-cost recovery unlikely without sustained public funding. Given the strategic importance of connectivity for regional development, continued operation of wholesale backbone networks is essential. In Colombia, the resolution of Red Azteca’s financial restructuring remained pending at the time of writing. The Colombian government faces a complex challenge of preserving the rural coverage gains while minimising the financial burden of the losses. Long-term solutions should seek to be institutionally sustainable, balancing fiscal prudence with public policy objectives of digital access.
1. According to the OECD Key short terms indicators database, the exchange rate in 2011 was COP 1 848/USD (OECD, 2026[44]).
2.2.2. Mobile broadband market structure
The Colombian mobile market remains characterised by a relatively small number of large operators, with persistent concentration over time. According to the CRC, Claro remains the dominant mobile network operator (MNO). In ten years, Claro’s market share has declined slightly from 64.6% in 2014 to 56.6% in Q1 2025. Over the past decade, Movistar and Tigo have both retained stable positions with much lower market shares (around half of Claro’s), fluctuating between 17‑24% (Movistar) and 13‑18% (Tigo). The entry of WOM in April 2021 marked a turning point, with the new entrant reaching 6.2% of the market by Q1 2025. This expansion came primarily at the expense of Claro and Movistar (i.e. reducing their market shares). WOM diversified the competitive landscape with an aggressive retail price competition strategy (see previous sub-section 2.1.3 on “Broadband affordability”). The “Other” group of operators had a 2.3% market share in Q1 2025, indicating the presence of niche operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) (Figure 2.18).
MVNOs remain marginal in Colombia despite policy efforts to try to encourage them (Box 2.2). After reaching a peak in 2019, MVNO subscriptions have been declining due to wholesale conditions and limited differentiation. At present, most MVNOs rely on Tigo’s wholesale services (Figure 2.18). The competition authority approved the Tigo-Movistar merger proceeding with remedies. The reliance of MVNOs on the merged entity’s network was considered in analysing the competitive effects of the transaction, and in designing the remedies (see section below).
Mobile market shares as a percentage of total subscriptions per operator, Q1 2014-2025
Note: Include network and service providers offering mobile voice services. ETB (counted in Other) reports as an MVNO since April 2022.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil, https://postdata.gov.co/dataset/abonados-ingresos-y-tr%C3%A1fico-de-telefon%C3%ADa-m%C3%B3vil.
The development of MVNOs in Colombia has been characterised by limited and uneven progress. Initial projects emerged in 2010, notably with the launch of Uff Móvil on Tigo’s network. However, it was only in 2013 that the CRC formally introduced the MVNO model as part of its broader strategy to foster competition in the mobile market.
The first entrants under this framework included Virgin Mobile Colombia, backed by Virgin Group and Móvil Éxito, owned by Grupo Éxito. ETB had obtained a licence to use 30 MHz on the Advanced Wireless Services spectrum in a temporary joint venture with Colombia Móvil (Tigo) in 2013. It began reporting as an MVNO in 2022, after transferring this spectrum to Tigo (ETB, 2021[45]). By 2015, MVNOs accounted for 3.3 million registered mobile voice lines and 0.8 million mobile broadband subscriptions, equivalent to a 6.0% and 4.7% market share, respectively (CRC, 2025[20]). Out of total mobile traffic, MVNO traffic in 2015 represented a share of only 0.8% for voice and 11.1% for mobile broadband.
Between 2015 and 2018, MVNOs grew steadily in Colombia. During that period, MVNOs reached a market share of 7.6% of total mobile subscriptions (i.e. 4.9 million registered voice lines) and 3.9% of total mobile broadband subscriptions (i.e. 1.4 million mobile broadband subscriptions) (CRC, 2025[20]). In 2017, two new operators, Flash Mobile and Suma Móvil, entered the MVNO market. At the end of 2018, MVNOs subscriptions accounted for 2.3% of all traffic for voice and 1.8% of all traffic for mobile broadband, below their user market shares. Uff Móvil, the pioneering operator, experienced financial distress and exited the market in July 2018.
In a turning point, Tigo introduced an open-host network model in 2019, easing wholesale access for MVNOs. This model enabled Flash Mobile and Suma Móvil to provide service connectivity and operational systems to third parties (e.g. billing). In so doing, it transformed them into what are commonly known as Mobile Virtual Network Enablers. This, in turn, enabled resellers, such as Fibrazo, Kalley Móvil and Play Móvil, to build their own operations.
From 2019 onwards, MVNOs began losing ground, with mobile voice subscriptions declining to 4.1 million by the end of 2021 (i.e. 5.4% of the market); the number of mobile broadband lines has remained steady around 1.2 million since 2020 (CRC, 2025[20]). In 2025, Virgin Mobile remained the largest player with 2.7 million registered voice lines and 0.7 million mobile broadband lines, followed by Móvil Éxito (1.1 million and 0.35 million, respectively). ETB, which converted into an MVNO in 2022, had 236 000 mobile voice lines and 167 000 mobile broadband subscriptions in 2025. Flash Mobile, which exited the market in early 2025, ranked fourth in terms of market share with 176 000 lines (CRC, 2025[20]). Other active MVNO providers include LOV, Suma Móvil, Liwa (formerly Cellvoz) and PLINTRON. At present, all MVNOs operate on Tigo’s network, except for Virgin Mobile, which operates on Movistar’s network. Since 2022, the total number of MVNO lines retook a growth trend, reaching 5.9 million voice lines and 1 million mobile broadband, equivalent to a 6.4% and 2.1% market share, respectively, by mid-2025 (CRC, 2025[20]).
MVNOs could play a role to enhance competition in mobile markets. During the interview process, MVNOs reported obstacles such as wholesale negotiated tariffs that sometimes exceed retail prices. In this context, it would be appropriate to assess the impact of the proposed merger between Tigo and Movistar on the development of MVNOs, as well as on the design of proportionate asymmetric measures to address any significant market power identified.
Source: OECD based on CRC (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de telefonía móvil, https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/abonados-ingresos-y-tr%C3%A1fico-de-telefon%C3%ADa-m%C3%B3vil
Merger proceeding in the communication sector during 2024-2025 – Tigo and Movistar
Early network integration
As early as 2023, Tigo (Millicom) and Movistar (Telefónica) began exploring synergies to strengthen their competitive position. As a first step, they created NetCo in 2024, a jointly owned mobile access network under the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) model responsible for managing shared infrastructure (Telefónica Colombia, 2024[46]). This arrangement, which aimed to improve coverage and efficiency, involved sharing active and passive infrastructure. This included towers, spectrum and the radio access network (RAN) components across more than 700 municipalities. At the same time, Tigo and Movistar maintained separate core networks, backhaul and commercial independence. Both companies remained separate in the retail and wholesale markets, continuing to serve MVNOs and provide national roaming clients. Another vehicle was created, in addition to NetCo, as well as a temporary union that would hold spectrum rights while each operator remained independently responsible for retail services.
The arrangement between Tigo and Movistar to join their infrastructure at the wholesale level was classified as a corporate integration and reviewed by the competition authority, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) (SIC Resolution No. 61548 of 2023) (SIC, 2023[47]). The SIC found that the operation could generate efficiencies, including lower deployment costs, improved coverage obligations, support for 5G rollout and environmental benefits. However, it also identified risks to competition related to i) co‑ordination between the operators’ core networks, weakening independent competitive behaviour; ii) the exchange of sensitive information through shared agreements; iii) potential harm to downstream competition if there is discrimination against MVNOs and users of national automatic roaming (NAR) through unilateral changes to commercial terms; and iv) possible reductions in coverage or quality in less profitable areas.
In 2023, the competition authority also examined the risk of spectrum concentration from the arrangement between Tigo and Movistar. The SIC concluded that spectrum concentration was unlikely to be problematic if the two companies complied with existing spectrum caps. The SIC even considered that the new spectrum-holding equilibrium could enhance competition in relation to the dominant player (SIC, 2023[47]). To address the risks, the SIC put in place safeguards (i.e. behavioural remedies), including governance protocols to prevent information exchange, conditions to maintain coverage and quality, technical separation of core networks, protection for roaming agreements and obligations to ensure fair treatment of MVNOs (SIC, 2023[47]). Tigo and Movistar consolidated their spectrum holdings in a temporary joint venture, with both returning spectrum to respect national spectrum caps (Presidential Decree 984 of 2022) (Government of Colombia, 2022[48]).5 In December 2023, Tigo and Movistar jointly participated in the 5G spectrum auction, securing 80 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, which was later transferred to NetCo for long-term management.
Corporate merger between the second-and third largest mobile network operators
In December 2024, Tigo (Millicom) formally announced its plan to acquire Movistar’s (Telefónica Colombia) 67.5% stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones (ColTel) for approximately USD 400 million, with adjustments for debt and working capital. Tigo also proposed to purchase the Colombian government’s 32.5% stake on the same terms (i.e. same price per share).6 Approval of the merger was subject to the SIC, with reviews from MinTIC and the CRC. EPM still holds 50% of Tigo and maintains decision-making rights under its shareholder agreement (Millicom, 2025[49]).
By mid-2025, both the CRC and MinTIC had published evaluations. The CRC acknowledged potential efficiency gains, including cost reductions, accelerated migration to fibre and 5G, and improved service quality. However, the CRC flagged risks of collective dominance and tacit co‑ordination, which could drive mobile prices up by as much as 37%. It also mentioned that in various urban centres, fixed broadband market concentration could intensify, triggering upward pressure on prices. The communication regulator also highlighted dangers for MVNOs, which rely almost entirely on Tigo and Movistar for wholesale access, raising the prospect of a 100% dependency on the merged entity. Automatic national roaming, similarly, concentrated in the two firms, was also identified as a potential risk to competition (CRC, 2025[50]).
The MinTIC’s analysis was broadly aligned with the CRC’s, further noting that the merger would produce a stronger competitor to Claro, potentially rebalancing the market. Yet it also warned of possible joint dominance (“technical duopoly”), with Claro and the merged entity jointly controlling more than 90% of the mobile market. To mitigate these risks, the MinTIC recommended specific remedies to the merged entity, including regulated wholesale tariffs, guaranteed access for MVNOs, restrictions on decommissioning rural sites and portability safeguards. At the same time, the MinTIC urged the CRC to consider extending equivalent asymmetric obligations to Claro to prevent imbalances (MinTIC, 2025[51]).7
The merger between Tigo and Movistar was approved subject to remedies by the SIC on 13 November 2025 (SIC Resolution No. 94169 of 2025) (SIC, 2025[52]). The SIC provided an extensive assessment of the competition effects of the proposed merger on wholesale and retail markets of communication services. It identified multiple relevant wholesale markets and retail markets, often with municipal geographic scope. In its market definition analysis for wholesale markets, the SIC pointed out that NAR holds essential facility features and lacks economic or technical replicability. It concluded that NAR should be treated as a separate relevant market from mobile access and origination services for MVNOs (Table 2.2).
Source: SIC (2025[52]), Resolution No. 94169 of 2025 “Whereby it conditions an integration operation”, Public Version, https://img.lalr.co/cms/2025/11/14113524/2025094169RE0000000001-1-1.pdf.
After analysing the markets, the competition authority expressed concern about the effects of the Tigo-Movistar transaction on wholesale national roaming (NAR) and MVNO markets. The SIC believed that increased concentration could weaken competitive pressure, harming smaller operators such as WOM. At the retail level, the SIC noted high concentration in fixed broadband markets across many municipalities. The SIC also considered that the transaction could create a risk of co‑ordinated effects that could harm consumers. Co‑ordinated effects do not imply explicit collusion. Rather, they reflect the possibility that, under the new market structure, competition between the two main operators may weaken because each would have fewer incentives to compete aggressively (SIC, 2025[52]).
In its decision, the SIC highlighted that competition concerns arise from the negative control of ColTel over On Net Fibra, despite holding only a 40% minority shareholding. This control is based on veto rights that allow ColTel to block key strategic and governance decisions, allowing it to exert decisive influence over On Net Fibra’s conduct. Under the proposed acquisition, Tigo would replace ColTel as shareholder and would inherit these veto rights. This change in ownership and governance could alter incentives and affect competitive dynamics in both the wholesale FTTH market and related retail markets. In particular, it could influence how On Net Fibra behaves as a wholesale supplier and how it interacts with vertically integrated operators.
Overall, the competition authority recognised the positive and negative potential of the merger. On one side, the SIC saw the merger could generate efficiencies, including lower costs, higher investment, broader coverage and improved service quality. It might also help strengthen competitive pressure on the dominant player in the market. On the other side, the SIC considered that the transaction could raise material competition risks that vary across markets and geographic areas. This justified close scrutiny and the imposition of safeguards (remedies) to protect competition and consumer welfare. The SIC highlighted that, “whether the transaction is ultimately beneficial for competition depends on whether these efficiencies are passed through to consumers and whether effective competition and open-access conditions are maintained, so that the identified risks do not materialise” (SIC, 2025[52]).
Given its concerns, the SIC imposed behavioural conditions to approve the merger. The SIC’s Resolution No. 94169 of 2025 expressly seeks to prevent the merged entity from modifying existing roaming or interconnection conditions in ways that would harm a competitor. For example, it would not permit changes that increased national roaming prices or imposed conditions that disadvantage MVNOs and other wholesale customers. In light of On Net Fibra’s role as a nationwide neutral wholesale FTTH platform, the SIC also imposed behavioural safeguards. These aimed to prevent the misuse or exchange of competitively sensitive information, and mitigate risks of vertical foreclosure, discriminatory conduct and the gradual weakening of platform neutrality. These risks, if left unaddressed, could weaken competitive conditions and ultimately harm consumers. The SIC also highlighted that failure to comply with the imposed conditions could trigger penalties under the competition law framework (Law 1340 of 2009), including the possibility of reversal of the transaction if conditions are breached.
The potential competition risks identified by the CRC in its review of the merger may persist in the medium term. The imposed remedies will only take effect once the transaction is completed (i.e. when the changes in ownership are formally implemented). Consequently, in the medium term, the merger could still harm wholesale mobile access and fixed broadband markets in several of the country’s main cities. For the same reasons, co‑ordinated effects could also persist in the medium term.
The potential risks of the merger highlight the continued importance of the regulator’s role. The merger remedies only apply to the companies involved in the transaction with a lower market share compared to the largest player in the market. This leaves the question of the ex ante regulation (or lack thereof) imposed to the dominant player. As noted, the remedies will take time to be implemented. Moreover, the largest and dominant player with stable market shares in the past decade is not part of this transaction, and the declaration of dominance has not been subject to asymmetric regulation under a significant market power framework. All these considerations underscore the importance of the sector regulator’s role. The CRC should consider options in the near future to safeguard competitive dynamics in the affected markets, e.g. wholesale access remedies.
Strategic market implications of the merger
The merger would significantly reshape Colombia’s communication market, both fixed and mobile, as these operators compete in bundles in a convergent environment. In the mobile segment, Tigo and Movistar together would hold 38‑43% of mobile subscriptions, nearing Claro’s 52%, and possess substantial spectrum assets. The sector, with some key players going into financial restructuring in previous years, is likely to undergo further change due to this consolidation.
Authorities should enforce remedies to safeguard healthy competition in communication markets. As seen in the previous section, market shares in Colombia have remained stable for the past ten years. In this context, the dominant operator (Claro) had a twofold lead in shares of subscriptions compared to the second (Movistar) and third MNO (Tigo). Tigo and Movistar have had stable market shares, as seen above, and Claro only recently lost some market share with the entry of WOM to the market in 2021. Moreover, the proposed merger is taking place within a specific financial context of the sector: Movistar is divesting all over Latin America (including in Colombia), while Tigo (Millicom) completed financial restructuring in 2024. While the transaction could lead to financial stability and promote increased investment, it also risks affecting competition, particularly for challenger firms like WOM and MVNOs. The merger was approved by the SIC in November 2025 with behavioural remedies. Authorities should seek to safeguard healthy competition in communication markets through the enforcement of the remedies.
International perspective
The OECD emphasises that mergers of this kind should be evaluated based on their outcomes rather than their structure. Efficiencies, such as cost reductions and investments in new technologies, must clearly benefit consumers instead of strengthening market dominance. As in all mergers, risks include co-‑ordinated effects (collusion), exclusion of smaller competitors and diminished incentives to innovate. Remedies may involve behavioural conditions (non-discrimination rules, regulated wholesale terms, publication of reference offers, separate accounting) or, in exceptional cases, structural measures (spectrum divestiture). Effective remedies need to be proportionate, enforceable and transparent (OECD, 2007[53]; OECD, 2019[54]; OECD, 2021[55]).
2.2.3. Financial indicators of the Colombian communication sector
Sector revenues in real terms (adjusted for inflation) have contracted 16.5% in the 2015‑2023 period, representing a -2.2% annual decrease (CAGR). After a first decrease between 2015 and 2016, sector revenues have been steady until a new dip between 2022 and 2023. Operators invested heavily in fixed network upgrades (fibre) and in the upgrades of mobile infrastructure (4G and 5G). Annual capital expenditure to revenue ratios stayed roughly 15-23% over 2015‑2023 (Figure 2.19). In terms of investment measured by capital expenditures (Capex) as a share of revenues, the communication sector in Colombia has maintained a relatively high level of investment over the past decade. Apart from 2017, it has remained consistently above the OECD average. Since 2020, the investment ratio has remained above 20% (Figure 2.19).
Operational revenues in the communication sector and annual investment extracted from cash flow of communication companies as share of revenues
Note: Operational incomes sourced from the financial statements of a sample of telecommunications companies, corroborated with the requirements of the Detailed and Simplified Accounting Separation Model contained in Resolution CRC 5589 of 2019. Investment in the communication sector based on cash flow corresponds to the investment of a sample of communication companies, constructed from the information in their financial statements, specifically in the cash flow reported as “Investment Activities”. Figures have been deflated per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2023) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil, https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/indicadores-de-inversi%C3%B3n-en-telecomunicaciones/.
The overall level of sector revenues masks important differences among operators. Claro, the dominant operator, was the only one to register a growth in its revenues over 2015‑2023 (around 9%), which accelerated significantly after 2018. Movistar, the second largest operator, kept a relatively steady income with a decrease of around 3% over the same period. All other operators, except for the new entrant WOM, which experienced a slight increase, have seen their revenue shrink by 30% or more between 2015 and 2023 (-30.8% for Tigo, -34.4% for ETB). Revenues in real terms (adjusted for inflation) for the dominant operator have significantly increased since 2018, reaching more than USD 3.4 billion in 2023 (more than twice than the second leading operator). The contraction of revenues affected the long tail of “other” Internet service providers more than other players, reducing their revenues by 57.2% over 2015‑2023 (Figure 2.20).
Note: Revenues correspond to operational income sourced from the financial statements of a sample of telecommunications companies, corroborated with the requirements of the Detailed and Simplified Accounting Separation Model contained in Resolution CRC 5589 of 2019. Figures have been deflated per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2023) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates. Telmex was absorbed by Comcel in 2019. Telebucaramanga was absorbed by Colombia Telecommunications in 2022. Avantel was absorbed by WOM in 2022. Infracel was absorbed by Comcel in 2023.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil, https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/indicadores-de-inversi%C3%B3n-en-telecomunicaciones/.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is a metric indicating the financial performance of a firm in its operations (OECD, 2024[56]). EBITDA is often shown as a percentage of revenues or income – the “EBITDA margin” – as an indicator of business performance. With respect to the EBITDA margins of the main network operators in Colombia, which offer both fixed and mobile communication services, Claro led in 2024, followed by Tigo, ETB and Movistar. Claro’s EBITDA was stable at around 40% of revenue over 2022‑2024, although with a slight downward trend. Tigo follows with a margin that reached 39.1% in 2024, after growing from 32.3% in 2022. The EBITDAs of both Movistar and ETB decreased, starting from around 30% in 2022 and falling to 23.2% (Movistar) and 26.6% (ETB) in 2024 (Figure 2.21).
Investments in the sector have risen and fallen in recent years, often in response to acquisitions. According to CRC data, overall investments in the sector, both fixed and mobile segments, recorded a steady rise in cash-flow funded Capex during 2015-2023. They reached a local peak just below USD 2 billion in 2021. Overall investment in the sector then decreased by 8.7% between 2021 and 2023. Spectrum acquisitions create temporary spikes, particularly in 2020 (Figure 2.22).
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) as a percentage of income, 2022-2024
Source: OECD based on América Móvil (2025), Reports and Filings, Quarterly Results, https://www.americamovil.com/English/investors/reports-and-filings/quarterly-results/default.aspx; Telefónica 2025, Resultados trimestrales, https://www.telefonica.com/es/accionistas-inversores/informacion-financiera/resultados-trimestrales/2025/; ETB n.d., ETB Inversionistas, https://etb.com/corporativo/Inversionistas.aspx#accion; Millicom International (n.d.), Leading the Digital Lifestyle, https://www.millicom.com/investors/debt/financial-reports/comcel.
Note: Investment in telecommunications is based on cash flow and corresponds to the investment of a sample of telecommunications companies, constructed from the information in their financial statements, specifically in the cash flow reported as “Investment Activities”. Investment in spectrum corresponds to payments for the use of spectrum by a sample of telecommunications companies, constructed from the information in the Notes to the financial statements of the companies, as requested in the Detailed and Simplified Accounting Separation Model contained in Resolution CRC 5589 of 2019 and in the resolutions on the allocation and renewal of spectrum use permits issued by MinTIC. Figures have been adjusted for inflation per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2023) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/indicadores-de-inversi%C3%B3n-en-telecomunicaciones/.
Analyses of annual investment and investment as a proportion of income identify different market leaders. At the operator level, since 2019, Claro has been the leader in annual investments in the mobile and fixed communication markets; this mirrors the trend in revenues as it has higher cashflows. In 2023, Claro’s investment doubled that of Tigo and quadrupled that of Movistar, its closest competitors (Figure 2.23). However, in terms of investment as a proportion of income in 2023, On Net Fibra, owned jointly by KKR and Telefónica, stood out as the operator with the highest ratio at 131%, indicating strong investment momentum. Claro, ETB and Tigo-UNE had rates in the 20% range, WOM had 15%, and Movistar and the rest of the operators were below 10% (CRC, 2024[57]).
Annual investments per operator, 2015-2023
Note: Annual investments in telecommunications are based on cash flow and correspond to the investment of a sample of telecommunications companies, constructed from the information in their financial statements, specifically in the cash flow reported as “Investment Activities”. Figures have been adjusted for inflation per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2023) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates. Telmex was absorbed by Comcel in 2019. Telebucaramanga was absorbed by Colombia Telecommunications in 2022. Avantel was absorbed by WOM in 2022. Infracel was absorbed by Comcel in 2023. Investments in Spectrum are not included.
Source: Based on OECD analysis of CRC Postdata (2025[20]), Abonados, ingresos y tráfico de Telefonía Móvil, https://www.postdata.gov.co/dataset/indicadores-de-inversi%C3%B3n-en-telecomunicaciones/.
Fixed broadband revenues
Revenue per connection has levelled off in recent years, despite increases in penetration. According to data from the CRC, total fixed broadband revenue in Q4 2022 was USD 397 million (COP 1.7 trillion). The average revenue per user (ARPU) in mid-2022 was USD 16 (COP 68 000). This later stabilised around USD 15‑17 (COP 60 000-70 000) per connection throughout 2023 and early 2024, despite ongoing subscriber growth. These figures suggest that revenue per connection has largely plateaued for the past few years, even as penetration increases (CRC, 2022[58]; CRC, 2023[59]; CRC, 2025[60]).
The decline in ARPU closely follows the broader decrease in communication service prices, especially between 2018 and 2021 derived from competitive pressure in the market. The decrease in prices for low- and medium-usage fixed broadband services has exerted downward pressure on per-user revenue (see Sub-section 2.1.3 on “Broadband affordability”). Operators now face a situation where subscriber growth must compensate for shrinking margins, emphasising the importance of upselling and service differentiation.
Mobile market revenues
According to GSMA Intelligence data, Colombia’s ARPU per mobile connection declined by 60% between 2014 and 2024 – from USD 8.6 to USD 3.4. Colombia now ranks among the lowest in Latin America on this indicator. It is significantly below the average of OECD‑LATAM (including, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico) and the lowest of OECD Member countries (Figure 2.24).
The drop in ARPU is in line with the decline in mobile service prices (Figure 2.12), suggesting a clear link between retail tariffs and ARPU. Persistent downward pressure on ARPU reflects both the intensity of price competition and the market’s structural features, especially after WOM’s entry in 2021. Claro’s dominant position with a large market share, benefitting from network externalities, continues to be entrenched. In many cases, smaller players rely on aggressive pricing strategies to compete. This dynamic makes it difficult to capture revenues, especially for players with lower market shares.
Average revenue per user (ARPU) per mobile connection in OECD Member countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America and Colombia, 2014-2024
Note: Aggregation per continental regions is a calculated simple average. For the analysis, GSMA data includes only OECD countries. These are divided regionally as follows: Asia Pacific — Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand; Europe — Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom; North America — United States, Canada; Latin America — Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico. Figures have been adjusted for inflation per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based on 2024) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates.
Source: GSMA Intelligence (2025[7]), Data Platform, https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/data/.
EBITDA margins in mobile markets present a different scenario. Colombia’s EBITDA margin for the mobile market in 2024 is higher than all other OECD regions. It trails only the North American region (Figure 2.25).
When measured against sector revenues, capital intensity (capital expenditure to revenue ratio) in the mobile market during the same period averaged 20‑25%. The downward trend of capital intensity (capex to revenues) since 2019 seems to indicate a general tendency to monetise revenue from mobile services following the rollout of 4G. However, as operators began to deploy 5G in 2024, investment rose very slightly from 2023‑2024 thereby increasing the Capex-to-revenue ratio; this trend may continue in the near future (Figure 2.26).
According to GSMA Intelligence data, Capex in Colombia’s mobile sector declined over the past decade from USD 1.5 billion to USD 0.8 billion over 2014‑2024. While Colombia’s Capex-to-revenue ratio decreased slightly over the same period, it has remained consistently higher than the average observed in other OECD Member countries, particularly in the LATAM region. The recent uptick in 2024 may be related to the 4G network expansion and 5G rollout (Figure 2.27).
EBITDA margins for mobile communication operators in OECD Member countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America and Colombia, 2014-2024
Note: Aggregation per continental regions is a calculated simple average. For the analysis, GSMA data includes only OECD countries. These are divided regionally as follows: Asia Pacific — Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand; Europe — Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom; North America — United States, Canada; Latin America — Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico.
Source: GSMA Intelligence (2025[7]), Data Platform, https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/data.
Mobile market revenue and Capex-to-revenue ratio (right axis), 2015-2024
Note: Figures have been deflated per year, using the OECD annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (2025[13]) (based in 2024) and then converted to USD using current exchange rates.
Source: OECD analysis of GSMA (2025[14]), Data Platform, https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/data/.
Capex-to-revenue mobile operators in OECD Member countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe, North America (i.e. the United States and Canada), Latin America and Colombia, 2014-2024
Note: Aggregation per continental regions is a simple average.
Source: GSMA Intelligence (2025[7]), Data Platform, https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/data/.
In summary, Colombia’s mobile broadband sector has expanded in reach and become more affordable but weakening revenue fundamentals and moderate investment growth have accompanied this progress. Continued investment by all players will be key in the face of persistent market concentration.
2.3.1. OTT market players in Colombia
Today, most digital services and applications are delivered to end users by over-the-top (OTT) providers, which rely on broadband network connectivity to offer their services. The decoupling of networks and services has reshaped the communication sector, which is no longer a standalone market but rather a component of a broader and more complex digital ecosystem. In this environment, companies can simultaneously compete, collaborate or complement each other across different activities. Specifically, OTT providers compete with traditional telecoms in two key areas: services and user engagement.
Colombia’s OTT ecosystem encompasses a wide range of service categories that fully exploit the country’s Internet infrastructure. These include instant messaging and voice applications, Video on Demand (VoD), live and on-demand streaming services, and social networks, as well as audio and music streaming offerings.
The use of online applications has increased both for exchange of messages and voice calls. According to the 2024 edition of the CRC survey on the role of OTT services in the communication sector in Colombia, between 2021 and 2024, the use of online applications for sending or receiving messages increased from 69% to 78%. WhatsApp was the most widely used by these users application (100%), followed by Messenger (31%) and Instagram (9% of users) (CRC, 2025[61]). The use of OTT applications for voice calls. has also notably increased. In 2024, 74% of Colombians reported using an application to place calls, representing an eight percentage-point rise compared to 2021 (CRC, 2025[61]). Among these users, 99% indicated reliance on WhatsApp for such services, consolidating its position as the leading platform for messaging and online voice communication. Messenger/Facebook followed with 16% and Instagram with 6% (CRC, 2025[61]). Although the use of calling applications continues to grow, many users still prefer traditional mobile voice services when communicating. This suggests that users are using both services in a complementary manner.
The landscape of OTT audiovisual services is diverse. More than two-thirds of people aged 15 and over (68%) do not use OTT audiovisual platforms (CRC, 2025[61]). Within that context, global platforms lead the OTT market. In 2024, Netflix reached a 22% penetration rate among residential users (of those aged 15 years and older), followed by Disney+ (9%), YouTube Premium (6%), Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max (4%) (CRC, 2025[61]). Domestic free-to-air broadcasters, however, maintain a digital presence. Canal RCN’s VoD platform has 7% penetration, while Caracol Play holds 3%. In contrast, VoD services offered by telecom operators, such as Claro Video (CRC, 2025[61]). Regarding the use of online audio services, 92% of respondents said they do not subscribe to any paid audio content platform. Among users with a subscription, the most popular platforms are Spotify (47%) and YouTube Premium (23%) (CRC, 2025[61]).
OTT audiovisual services are gradually eroding the market share of subscription television. By 2024, 9% of people with subscription television services cancelled their service because they had one of these streaming applications (“cord-cutting”) (CRC, 2025[61]). OTT video revenues show a growing trend compared to the decline in traditional television. OTT's share of total video revenues rose from 15% in 2017 to 45% in 2024 and is expected to exceed 55% in 2030 (CRC, 2025[61]). In response, communication operators have adapted by integrating OTT services into their portfolio or forming strategic partnerships with OTT players.
According to CRC data, mobile service providers in Colombia have increasingly integrated OTT services into their commercial offerings through various models. Some operators include access to their own OTT services at no extra cost within their packages. In the mobile segment, for example, Claro, Movistar and Virgin offer platforms like Claro Video, the Movistar TV app, Virgin’s proprietary online music platforms, as well as cloud storage and cloud gaming services. Additionally, third-party video platforms and applications are either provided through promotional access periods or included via integrated billing. Since 2022, services like Netflix, Prime Video and Amazon Music have been incorporated into these packages in different proportions. Over time, other services such as Disney+, Paramount+, Max and Win+ have also been added (CRC, 2025[61]).
2.3.2. The impact of OTT players on Colombia’s communication markets
The widespread adoption of OTT audiovisual services is having a notable impact on Colombia’s communication landscape, particularly in terms of demand for broadband connectivity. Triple-play bundles, which combine Internet, telephony and television services, accounted for 41% of subscriptions in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from 40% the previous year (CRC, 2025[20]). These packages are increasingly incorporating international OTT services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. By combining these services into a single package with a single monthly bill, operators offer added value in a region where prepaid and mobile payment methods remain the dominant payment methods. Approximately one-third of standalone VoD subscriptions across Latin America and the Caribbean are now bundled through communications providers (Omdia, 2023[62]). In Colombia, such bundled offerings, which may include pay‑TV, broadband and mobile services, are emerging as a critical growth channel.
Consumer engagement with OTT platforms is also being stimulated by zero-rating practices. Zero rating exempts selected applications from the download allowance of the Internet access service (typically for mobile plans) (OECD, 2019[63]). The share of commercial offers that include zero-rating applications has been steadily increasing in recent years. Between 2021 and 2025, zero rating rose from 51% to 67% of postpaid offers, and from 50% to 62% of prepaid offers (CRC, 2025[61]).
Mobile postpaid plans typically include broader exemptions for apps such as LinkedIn, Snapchat, Telegram, Teams, TikTok, Twitter, Waze and WhatsApp. Fixed broadband packages also frequently include limited-time subscriptions, typically for a year or less, to major streaming services such as Netflix or Prime Video. These incentives effectively reduce the cost of accessing OTT content, helping drive its uptake and reinforcing the link between OTT use and demand for broadband.
Trends in the use of digital applications and platforms have a direct impact on both the volume and type of traffic circulating across networks. High-profile events, such as international football matches or the release of popular series, can spike traffic levels. OTT platforms, especially those offering Ultra HD or immersive formats, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, are adapting by providing variable picture quality options, in line with advances in consumer hardware. This points to a continued trend of growing traffic volumes.
Communication operators are continually upgrading their networks to accommodate the rising data demands. Installed capacity refers to the maximum throughput that network components, such as transmission equipment and fibre systems, can support. Between January 2023 and June 2024, the CRC requested information from 13 major operators, representing approximately 80% of the fixed and mobile broadband market in terms of subscribers. They reported that installed capacity increased by around 35%, while peak OTT traffic rose by just 10%. This indicates a forward-looking approach by operators to maintain capacity buffers in anticipation of future demand (CRC, 2024[64]).
Communication service providers use different strategies to improve user experience. To enhance traffic management, they establish efficient routes to Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) such as NAP Colombia, PIT and Equinix. They also establish direct connections to content delivery networks (CDNs). In addition, they use caching systems to store frequently accessed content closer to the end user. These strategies improve user experience by reducing latency, increasing content access speed and minimising congestion on national and international transport routes. In this context, collaboration between communication services providers and OTT service providers has become increasingly relevant. It facilitates more efficient traffic flows with higher-quality end-user experience, while optimising processes for service providers.
The same CRC analysis shows that 82% of OTT traffic was delivered via local CDNs and on-net caching (CRC, 2024[64]). This has eased pressure on international links, with only 13% of traffic routed internationally and 5% travelling through IXPs) (CRC, 2024[64]). CDNs and cache infrastructure in Colombia are relatively concentrated. Meta, Netflix and Google together account for around two-thirds of installed OTT delivery capacity in Colombia (CRC, 2024[64]). Although the commercial terms under which large OTT platforms use network infrastructure are generally confidential (as is common in business-to-business arrangements), some details are known. In some cases, OTT providers interconnect with networks via neutral IXPs. In others, they establish direct connectivity contracts. In 2010, for example, Meta reached an agreement with Deutsche Telekom in Germany, reportedly involving an annual payment of EUR 5.8 million for 50 dedicated high-capacity ports. However, financial compensation is not always part of these agreements.
Large technology players, such as those offering OTT services, are also investing directly in infrastructure within Colombia. This includes building CDNs, deploying data centres, rolling out terrestrial cables to connect data centres and cloud infrastructure, and participating in submarine cable projects. Such investments often not only improve service quality but also reduce operational costs for communication network operators, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem (CCIA, 2025[65]).
Increased OTT usage drives infrastructure investment, and in turn, improved infrastructure with higher quality services, encourages further OTT adoption. This cycle has become a central feature of Colombia’s digital market. As demand for OTT services grows, operators expand and enhance their networks. OTT providers, in turn, localise distribution and strengthen their technical presence. The result is a feedback loop in which improved network performance supports wider OTT use, and greater OTT use justifies further infrastructure development.
Understanding this dynamic is essential to shaping a regulatory and institutional framework that supports shared investment, promotes fair competition and ensures the long-term sustainability of Colombia’s digital ecosystem. Fostering transparency and encouraging co-investment between OTT platforms and telecom operators will be key to securing an inclusive and future-ready digital infrastructure.
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← 1. The OECD methodology of the standalone telecommunication price baskets defines 15 fixed broadband baskets to represent the typical usage patterns of low, medium and high usage in a country (OECD, 2017[12]). No data were available for 2017 in Colombia for the “medium usage” profile for fixed broadband services.
← 2. The OECD methodology for bundled services selects, for every OECD Member country, the cheapest offer in the market meeting all criteria for a given user profile (i.e. low, medium, high and highest usage profiles) (OECD, 2020[66]).
← 3. Mobile voice and data price baskets describe typical consumer profiles and usage patterns for low, medium and high levels of use in a country (OECD, 2017[12]).
← 4. Within the merger proceedings, in the document approving the acquisition of Movistar by Tigo, given On Net Fibra’s role as a nationwide neutral wholesale FTTH platform, Colombia’s competition authority (SIC) imposed behavioural safeguards to prevent misuse or exchange of competitively sensitive information; and mitigate risks of vertical foreclosure, discriminatory conduct and the gradual erosion of platform neutrality (SIC, 2025[52]). These risks, if left unaddressed, could weaken competitive conditions and ultimately harm consumer welfare.
← 5. On 1 July 2024, Tigo returned 30 MHz and Movistar returned 10 MHz in the AWS band, and Movistar returned 25 MHz in the 800 MHz band.
← 6. See “Solicitud de Pre-evaluación de la transacción proyectada entre COLOMBIA MÓVIL S.A. E.S.P y COLOMBIA TELECOMUNICACIONES S.A. E.S.P. BIC. Expediente administrativo SIC No. 24-546942. Parte pública. Consecutivo 24-546942-0 del 19 de diciembre de 2024, hoja 2.”
← 7. This is the phrasing used by the MinTIC: “As previously stated, the Ministry of ICT recommends that, in parallel with the analysis of these measures, the CRC continue advancing the general regulatory process that extends equivalent asymmetric obligations to the other large-scale network operator in the market, that is, CLARO.” (MinTIC, 2025[51]).