Telecommunications

Congress voted to grant Tigo and Claro, Honduras's two dominant mobile carriers, a tax amnesty on telecom regulatory debts in a September 1 session, but lawmakers from the Free and Liberal parties say the reconsideration vote violated procedure and lacked the required quorum.

Honduras's telecommunications regulator launched a spectrum auction for three 20 MHz blocks in the 1700/2100 MHz band, with bidding on August 26 at $8 million per block, aimed at expanding 4G coverage and preparing infrastructure for future 5G deployment.

The US Embassy's charge d'affaires met with Honduran public and private leaders to support American firm SBA Communications' expansion of the country's telecommunications network, which officials say will create jobs and boost digital inclusion.

The National Congress telecommunications committee approved a proposal requiring cable and telecom companies to remove unused cables within 60 days, with fines up to L250,000 (about $10,000) for noncompliance.

Honduras's telecommunications sector expanded, driven by growth in mobile and fixed-line phone services and gains in postal and courier services tied to the rise of e-commerce.