MEXICO CITY, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Mexico’s telecommunications regulator IFT authorized Telcel, an arm of America Movil, to offer 5G services, paving the way for what the watchdog called the largest 5G commercial network in Latin America.

The IFT approved the modification of 18 concession titles, the regulator said in a statement late Wednesday, enabling Telcel to launch its anticipated 5G services in its home country within frequency bands in the 3450-3550 MHz segment.

Executives at America Movil, controlled by the family of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, told investors earlier on Wednesday that they expected to rollout 5G this year in 90% of the company’s markets.

“With this, Telcel will be able to put into operation the largest 5G commercial network in Latin America…. In this way, our country is at the forefront in the deployment of fifth generation mobile services,” the IFT said in a statement.

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