Progress in Licensing Third Mobile Operator in Panama

The tender for the third cell phone operator in the Republic of Panama is advancing following the second prequalification act for the granting of a new concession to operate and exploit the Personal Communications Service No. 106 (PCS) and the sale of certain assets of Digicel (Panamá), S.A.

The company General International Telecom Panamá, S.A., the only proponent in the first call, reiterated its interest in the process and provided the documentation requested by the Evaluation Commission, within public tender No. 01-2023-Telco.

The Panamanian regulator of public services, ASEP, announced that General International Telecom Panama (Gitpan) has expressed its eagerness to become the third mobile operator in the country after the second round of prequalification for the granting of a Digicel license, as well as certain company assets.

In the first call for offers, Gitpan, the only bidder, did not submit certain key documents, including information on financial results and solvency; however, it has now provided the missing documentation requested by the evaluation commission.

In the second call, no other interested companies presented bids.

Once the final review stage by the commission is consolidated, ASEP will be fully authorized to request the Cabinet Council's approval to negotiate the contract directly with the firm.

If the process is successfully completed, Gitpan will obtain a concession in the 1,900MHz and 700MHz bands, along with a network of more than 700 sites and a population coverage of 80%.

For more information, visit ASEP Official Site - https://www.asep.gob.pa/?page_id=208040.