How 5G infrastructure is progressing in Colombia

In the race towards technological modernization, Colombia is showing that it has the vision, infrastructure, and commitment to position itself as a key investment destination in Latin America. The development of 5G infrastructure and mobile networks represents not just a historic leap in connectivity but also a powerful driver of economic growth, business innovation, and the strengthening of the country’s productive sectors.

What Is the 5G Network and Why Is It So Important?

5G—short for the fifth generation of mobile technologies—marks a significant evolution from its predecessors. It not only allows for dramatically faster browsing speeds and lower latency but also enables a wide range of advanced industrial and social applications. These include the Internet of Things (IoT), ultra-high-definition video, intelligent automation, and remote healthcare solutions.

This wireless technology serves as the foundation of global digital transformation—and Colombia is already a part of this movement.

The International and Regional Context

Since the start of its deployment in 2020, the 5G ecosystem has experienced rapid global expansion. At that time, only 63 operators across 35 countries offered commercial 5G services. By September 2024, that number had grown to 343 operators in 126 countries.

Additionally, another 281 operators worldwide were in the investment, testing, or deployment planning stages. In total, 624 operators across 185 countries were actively investing in 5G, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) in the study "Trends in Next-Generation Mobile Networks" by the Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC).

According to this study, in Latin America, 5G deployment is still in the early stages. As of early 2024, just 29 operators in 10 countries had launched commercial 5G services. However, the regional outlook is positive: many companies are conducting pilot tests ahead of future launches, signaling a gradual but steady regional adoption. Colombia is not only part of this movement—it’s leading it.

Colombia: Steady and Ambitious Progress

In the first quarter of 2024, Colombia recorded 99.7 million mobile connections, a 7.8% increase over the same period the previous year. Of those, 47.5 million were mobile internet accesses—an increase of 14.7%. Among these, 5G connections reached 2.1 million, making up 4.5% of the total and accounting for approximately 35% of the growth in mobile connectivity during that period.

This momentum didn’t happen by chance. In December 2023, Colombia held a landmark $1.3 billion COP 5G spectrum auction. This event marked the official start of nationwide 5G deployment and laid the foundation for an estimated $28 billion COP in telecommunications investment over the next decade.

Today, Colombia has more than 1,500 active 5G antennas across 16 departments. Deployment is progressing steadily and has already surpassed initial coverage targets.

According to the National Spectrum Agency (ANE), 22 municipalities in Colombia now have access to 5G—including 10 not originally included in operators’ obligations. This reflects the private sector’s genuine commitment to expanding connectivity beyond major cities.

The 5G Plan: A Comprehensive Strategy

To ensure an organized rollout, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) developed the 5G Plan—a national roadmap to support the development, deployment, and operation of 5G infrastructure throughout Colombia’s digital infrastructure.

The plan’s objective is clear: to prepare the country for a new digital era, enhance access to advanced technologies across all economic sectors, and meet the growing demand for speed, capacity, and connectivity.

The results are already tangible. Internet access in Colombia has increased by 12.4% between August 2022 and August 2024, and the national industry has seen a 3.8% growth attributed to the 5G rollout. More broadly, 5G provides the backbone for modern infrastructure that supports innovation in business, digital government services, and Colombia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Investment Opportunities in Key Sectors

The potential of 5G extends across a wide range of industries—from automation in manufacturing to traceability in logistics, remote healthcare services, smart mining, and smart cities in Colombia. In all these areas, IoT, real-time data, and high-quality video are poised to transform operations and service delivery.

According to projections by the Communications Regulatory Commission, 44% of all mobile connections in Colombia will use 5G by 2030. This would place the country among the leaders in Latin America, establishing it as a regional hub for digital innovation.

Adding to this momentum, operators such as Claro Colombia have announced plans to double 5G coverage in 2025—setting the stage for further technological growth and more robust public-private partnerships. These developments point to significant 5G business opportunities for both local and international investors seeking to engage in Colombia’s growing tech ecosystem.

Why Invest in Colombia Now?

Colombia’s technological progress is backed by more than infrastructure. It’s driven by clear political commitment, sound regulation, and a dynamic digital ecosystem. The efforts of MinTIC, ANE, and the Communications Regulatory Commission reflect a coordinated, forward-thinking approach that builds investor confidence in the telecommunications sector.

Beyond its 5G capabilities, Colombia offers several competitive advantages: a strategic geographic location, a young and digitally connected population, cost-effective operations, and a clear orientation toward innovation.

Colombia is not just adopting 5G—it is shaping its future. With growing investments, expanding infrastructure, forward-looking projections, and a supportive public policy framework, the country offers the right conditions to turn connectivity into productivity and growth. As broadband expansion and the fiber optics network continue to scale, so do opportunities for mobile infrastructure and connectivity solutions that benefit every sector.

Today, more than ever, investing in Colombia is investing in the future. And that future is already connected to the 5G network. Discover this and more investment opportunities in our platform.