Colombia’s Internet Landscape: Fixed Broadband Takes the Lead & What It Means for the Future
Colombia’s communications sector is undergoing a significant shift, with fixed broadband internet firmly establishing itself as the dominant force. Recent data from the Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (CRC) reveals a 6% growth in the fixed services sector compared to the previous year, largely fueled by the surging demand for fixed internet. As of the second quarter of 2025, total fixed service access reached 11.3 million, with fixed internet accounting for the lion’s share of this growth.
The Rise of Individual Services: Cutting the Cord?
Interestingly, the CRC report highlights a growing preference for unbundled services. Nearly 45% of Colombian users are now opting to subscribe to internet, phone, or television individually, rather than in traditional bundled packages. This represents a 3.4 percentage point increase year-over-year, signaling a move towards greater consumer control and flexibility. This trend mirrors what we’ve seen in North America and Europe, where consumers are increasingly “cutting the cord” from expensive cable packages in favor of streaming services and standalone internet access.
Pro Tip: When evaluating your internet service options, consider your actual usage. If you primarily stream content and rarely use traditional television, a standalone internet plan paired with streaming subscriptions could save you money.
Who’s Still Bundling? The Middle Class and Triple Play
While individual services are gaining traction, bundled packages haven’t disappeared. Triple play (internet, phone, and TV) remains popular among households in socioeconomic strata 2 and 3, representing 13.8% and 13.2% of subscriptions respectively. This suggests that middle-class families still find value in the convenience and potential cost savings of bundled offerings. However, even within these segments, the gap between bundled and individual service adoption is narrowing.
What’s Driving the Growth in Fixed Broadband?
Several factors are contributing to the boom in fixed broadband. Increased remote work opportunities, accelerated by the pandemic, have created a greater need for reliable home internet. Furthermore, the expansion of fiber optic infrastructure across Colombia is delivering faster speeds and improved connectivity. Companies like Claro, ETB, and Movistar are actively investing in network upgrades to meet this growing demand. For example, Claro recently announced a $50 million investment in expanding its fiber network in Bogotá, aiming to reach an additional 100,000 homes.
Did you know? Colombia’s average monthly revenue per fixed broadband access currently stands at approximately $94,915 COP (roughly $24 USD), reflecting the diverse range of services and subscription models available.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Trends
The trends identified in the CRC report suggest several potential future developments in Colombia’s internet landscape:
- Continued Growth of Fiber Optic Networks: Expect further investment in fiber infrastructure to support increasing bandwidth demands and enable new technologies like 5G fixed wireless access.
- Increased Competition: The rise of smaller, regional internet service providers (ISPs) could intensify competition and drive down prices.
- Focus on Digital Inclusion: Government initiatives aimed at expanding internet access to underserved communities will become increasingly important. The Plan Nacional de Conectividad, for instance, aims to connect rural areas with affordable broadband. (https://www.mincit.gov.co/portal/planeacion-y-gestion/plan-nacional-de-conectividad/)
- The Rise of Smart Home Technologies: As more devices become connected, demand for high-speed, reliable internet will continue to grow.
- Personalized Service Packages: ISPs will likely offer more customized service packages tailored to individual consumer needs and preferences.
The Impact of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
While fixed broadband currently dominates, 5G FWA is poised to become a significant competitor, particularly in areas where laying fiber is cost-prohibitive. 5G FWA offers a viable alternative, delivering high-speed internet wirelessly. Companies like Tigo are already deploying 5G FWA networks in select cities, offering speeds comparable to fiber.
FAQ
- What is the current state of internet access in Colombia? Fixed broadband is the leading service, with 11.3 million total accesses as of Q2 2025.
- Are bundled services still popular? While declining, triple play packages remain popular among middle-class households.
- What is driving the growth of fixed broadband? Remote work, fiber optic expansion, and increasing demand for bandwidth are key drivers.
- What is 5G FWA? It’s a wireless technology that delivers high-speed internet using 5G networks.
- What is the average cost of fixed internet in Colombia? Approximately $24 USD per month.
Reader Question: “I live in a rural area. When will I have access to high-speed internet?” The government’s Plan Nacional de Conectividad is working to address this issue, but timelines vary depending on location. Check with your local municipality for updates.
Want to learn more about Colombia’s digital transformation? Explore our article on the impact of e-commerce on the Colombian economy.
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