INDOTEL Launches International Public Tender for Radioelectric Spectrum Allocation in the 700 MHz, AWS, 2300–2400, and 3500–3700 MHz Bands

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. – The Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (INDOTEL) (Dominican Institute of Telecommunications) has launched International Public Tender INDOTEL/LPI-001-2026 for the granting of concessions and associated licenses for the use of radioelectric frequencies in the 700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz (AWS), 2300–2400 MHz, and 3500–3700 MHz bands across the national territory. The process aims to promote investment, expand coverage, and foster competition in the next-generation mobile telecommunications sector.

The tender was formalized through Resolution No. 013-2026 of the INDOTEL Board of Directors, dated February 26, 2026. The general terms and conditions document is available on the institutional website at www.indotel.gob.do.

This process represents the third spectrum allocation tender launched by INDOTEL in recent years and the broadest in terms of available bands, simultaneously covering low, mid-low, and mid-high frequencies. This will enable winning bidders to offer 5G mobile services with extended coverage, high capacity, and speed.

The process contemplates the allocation of up to 60 MHz in the 700 MHz band (six blocks of 10 MHz), 30 MHz in the AWS band (three blocks of 10 MHz), 100 MHz in the 2300–2400 MHz band, and up to 120 MHz in the 3500–3700 MHz band. The minimum reference values set by INDOTEL are US$40,000 per MHz/year in the 700 MHz band, US$45,000 in the AWS band, US$15,000 in the 2300 MHz band, and US$21,000 in the 3600 MHz band.

As part of the process conditions, winning bidders may execute universal service and digital divide reduction projects as a counterpart contribution of up to 30% of the total amount owed. Additionally, they must comply with a Minimum Expansion Plan with population coverage targets by region at 36 and 60 months from the signing of the concession contract.

Process Timeline

The official schedule establishes the following key dates:

• May 5, 2026: Deadline for bidder registration.
• May 7, 2026: Deadline for submitting queries about the terms and conditions document.
• May 21, 2026: Issuance of circulars and amendments by INDOTEL.
• June 16, 2026: Submission of technical and economic proposals.
• July 28, 2026: Opening of economic proposals.
• August 2026: Expected adjudication resolution.

Main Requirements to Participate

Interested companies must meet a series of legal, technical, and financial requirements, including:

• Being a legal entity with a corporate purpose related to the provision of telecommunications services.
• Having no outstanding debts with INDOTEL or the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) (General Directorate of Internal Taxes), and not being disqualified from contracting with the State under Law No. 47-25 on Public Procurement.
• Paying the Participation Fee of US$20,000 (non-refundable) and completing registration with INDOTEL before May 5, 2026.
• Submitting a technical proposal that includes a description of the proposed network topology, a data security scheme, and a plan consistent with the Minimum Expansion Plan set forth in the tender documents.
• Demonstrating minimum financial capacity through audited financial statements from the last two years, commitment letters from financial institutions, and, where applicable, an investment plan with five-year projections.
• Establishing a bid maintenance guarantee equivalent to ten times the reference value per MHz/year for each band in which they participate, issued by a bank with an “A” or higher credit rating.
• Complying with spectrum accumulation limits: a maximum of 40 MHz in the 700 MHz band and a maximum of 100 MHz in the 3300–3700 MHz band.

A Strategic Opportunity for the Private Sector

This process is part of the Dominican Government’s Agenda Digital 2030 (Digital Agenda 2030) and INDOTEL’s objectives to ensure the efficient use of the radioelectric spectrum, expand connectivity nationwide, and reduce the digital divide. The tender opens a window of opportunity for both operators already present in the Dominican market and new entrants with the technical and financial capacity to deploy telecommunications networks on a national scale.

The allocation of these frequencies will allow winners to offer fourth and fifth generation (4G/5G) mobile broadband services, with progressive coverage across the country’s ten regions, contributing to the logistical, educational, economic, and social development of the Dominican Republic.

At Pellerano & Herrera, we have extensive experience advising domestic and international companies in public tender processes before INDOTEL, structuring proposals, ensuring regulatory compliance, and executing concession contracts in the telecommunications sector.

We invite companies interested in participating in this process to contact us to assess their eligibility, review the terms and conditions, and receive strategic legal advice to support a successful participation in this tender.