| Subtel, Chile's telecommunications regulator launched a tender to build a fibre optic network between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique. A subsidy of US$ 2.5 million is available to the winning bidder.
The Fibra Optica Austral project aims to extend Chile’s backbone network that today reaches from Arica in the north to Puerto Montt in the south. Telecom operators have not shown interest in financing the network extension by themselves. Subtel originally intended to invest US$ 1.24 million to finance the expansion.
The funds for the fibre optic project are to come from the telecommunications development fund, which is expected to have around US$ 16.8 million available for 2007. The fund’s 2007 resources have increased by 125% compared to the period 2004-06.
Source: Business News Americas - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News
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