EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mauricio Ramos, Millicom CEO, distanced the company from rumours it is planning to enter Mexico, insisting its current focus is “squarely fixed on organic growth”.

Local reports at the start of the year suggested Millicom was tempted by a Mexico entrance following the 2013 reforms in the country which promote competition, with US operator AT&T the only international operator to take advantage so far.

Luxembourg-headquartered Millicom has also built up a strong position in Latin America, operating in eight countries in the region (along with its Africa presence), and was awarded additional spectrum in both Paraguay and Columbia to bolster 4G.

Speaking to Mobile World Live, Ramos maintained that its strategy for growth is centred around its existing operations.

“We operate in the emerging markets, and there is a lot of organic growth ahead,” he said.

“Everywhere we operate, broadband penetration in fixed is somewhere between 10 per cent and 40 per cent, and smartphone adoption stands between 20 per cent and 45 per cent… so there is a lot of organic growth for us ahead, and this is where our best growth opportunities lie.”

In the interview, Ramos also provided some further insight into the thinking behind the company’s decision to sell its subsidiary in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Orange for $160 million, a deal announced last month.

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