BOGOTÁ (WiMAX Day). The Ministry of Communications in Columbia has awarded seven licenses for 3.5 GHz WiMAX spectrum to Columbian telecoms operator Avantel. The company won the licenses at auction in December 2006, however disputes and legal wrangles have delayed their issuance. Avantel also announced that it formed a strategic alliance with Comsat, a satellite company that was awarded six licenses at the auction. The alliance will provide Avantel greater coverage area and will allow users to roam more easily in Columbia.