Millicom suffers antitrust setback over Entel 5G spectrum

Millicom International Cellular experienced a legal setback in Chile through its subsidiary Movistar. On Monday 15 September 2026, Chile's antitrust court, the TDLC, rejected a motion for reconsideration filed by Telefónica Móviles Chile seeking to reverse a previous refusal to open an inquiry into competitor Entel.

The dispute centers on the 3.5 GHz spectrum band, a key asset for 5G deployment. Entel requested permission to add 5G mobile services to concessions originally granted for fixed wireless services. Movistar warned that if approved, Entel would amass 100 contiguous MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, giving it an advantage in network speed and capacity.

The TDLC ruled that Movistar offered no new arguments to change its prior stance. The tribunal noted that any potential authorization by the telecommunications regulator Subtel still lacks the certainty required to initiate a competition review. The TDLC also dismissed an attempt to take the issue to the Supreme Court, explaining that appeals to the top court are valid only after a proceeding is held and a final decision on the merits is issued.

The legal action represents one of Movistar's first major moves since Millicom took control of the Chilean business. Movistar may return to the antitrust tribunal once Subtel issues a definitive ruling regarding Entel's spectrum request.