Six months after having started the first pilots, Mas Movil last week officially announced the activation of the initial phase of its 5G network in Panama. But it is also looking forward to 2025 when new spectrum should be available.
In the first phase, Mas Movil says it will have an expansion footprint in 366 sites covering Panama City that will benefit from 5G functionality with compatible devices in a number of coverage areas. The company plans to implement more sites over time.
It is already launching discount offers on compatible phones and enabling 5G for many customers of its service.
The company began the first phase of pilot tests in the second quarter of 2024 using the 5G network in the 3.5GHz band – thanks to temporary permission granted by regulator ASEP.
However, until ASEP offers 5G spectrum Mas Movil is rolling out 5G using dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology, sharing spectrum already assigned and in operation between both 4G and 5G networks
The tests will continue. Indeed Roberto Mendoza, senior director of corporate affairs of Mas Movil, has said that the company is requesting more time to use the 3.5GHz band for testing, in order to carry out other pilot plans in various areas of the country.
Local news reports suggest that the regulator is preparing to tender 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz spectrums exclusively for 5G. A public consultation to define the National Frequency Attribution Plan is under way and should end on 30 October. After the relevant bands are clear, a tender is expected to be held in mid-2025, presumably allowing the rollout of standalone 5G.
