Panama to Add a Third Mobile Phone Operator
Panama City. X/@sza_jhcyto.
March 23, 2026 Hour: 2:45 pm
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The country has more than five million active mobile lines: 79% prepaid and 21% postpaid.
On Monday, Panama’s National Authority of Public Services (Asep) announced that it will hold a tender in late 2026 to add a third mobile phone operator to increase competition and provide better service.
Zelmar Rodriguez, Asep’s General Administrator, explained that the prequalification process will open in May and presented a microsite that compiles information on the mobile phone market in Panama, legal conditions, existing infrastructure, and guidelines for the tender process for potential investors.
According to Asep statistics from 2025, Panama has more than five million active mobile lines: 79% prepaid and 21% postpaid, which, according to the company, demonstrates a potential market.
The announcement comes after the intervention of the Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco), which temporarily suspended a rate increase by the two only active operators: Tigo Panama and Cable & Wireless Panama.
The text reads, “What does this mean for our country? More options for users, more dynamism in the market, and more incentives to achieve quality service. Rodriguez detailed the process for the entry of a third mobile phone operator into Panama, which will allow for better conditions for consumers.”
Acodeco is investigating both companies for “absolute monopolistic” practices for modifying plans and prices. The measure seeks to protect users while corporate responsibility in the sector is being determined.
In 2022, the merger of Cable & Wireless Panama, a subsidiary of Liberty Latin America LTD, with Claro Panama of America Movil SAB de C.V. was finalized. The transaction, valued at US$200 million, left the country with the two current operators.
Following that merger, Digicel Panama filed for voluntary liquidation, which was authorized by Acodeco in March 2022. The telecommunications company ceased operations in Panama in March 2024 after the open tender failed to attract any bids.
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE – Tvn Panama
