NEWS 2007

Colombia's June Electricity Demand Rises 3.9% From Year Ago

Demand for electricity in Colombia rose 3.9% in June from the same month a year ago, state-controlled electricity grid Interconexion Electrica SA (ISA.BO) said on July 18th in a statement. Electricity demand is an indicator of how the country's industries are performing, according to analysts. Colombia's gross domestic product expanded 8% in the first quarter. The country's economy expanded 6.8% in 2006, the fastest pace in almost three decades, boosted by rising investment and consumer demand. Colombia exported 35 GWh in June to Ecuador, 76% less than in the same month in 2006. Ecuador is the only country to which Colombia exports electricity. ISA owns 80% of Colombia's total transmission network and all of its high-voltage capacity. Some areas aren't part of ISA's network, such as the Amazon region. Source: Dow Jones Newswires

Colombia adds half million new mobile users in Q2

Colombia gained another 504,653 new mobile users in the second quarter for a total 28.548 million at the end of June, according to figures from the superintendent for commerce and industry (SIC). Telefonica Móviles, which operates under the brand Movistar, added 66,641 new clients in Q2 for a total 7.612 million at the end of June. Colombia Movil, the owner of the brand Tigo, conquered 159,919 users in Q2, for a total base of 2.404 million. Comcel gained 278,093 new users, taking its base to 18.533 million.