BNamericas' Colin Bennett reports that Colombia's communications ministry, Mincomunicaciones Colombia, is finally proceeding this week with its auction of WiMAX spectrum.

The auction was postponed for a month from its originally scheduled date of July 14th due to complaints from operators that the initial deadline didn't allow enough time to gather the required information.

"Two blocks of spectrum in each of the country's 32 departments are being opened for use," Bennett writes. "Up to five companies will be granted permission to operate in each of the departments. Authorities expect to receive more bids for licenses for departments with heavily populated areas and therefore higher market value, such as Bogotá or Cordoba, but also expect to receive bids for less lucrative markets."

According a ministry spokesperson, winners will be announced in the coming weeks.