The term internet of things (IoT) is used to refer to digitally connected devices and objects, and the related collection, processing and transmission of relevant data. For telecoms regulators, the main concerns for IoT include licensing, spectrum use and permanent roaming.

Cullen International’s research shows that, in the Americas, only Brazil has a specific licensing regime for IoT providers. IoT provision is not specifically regulated in other countries in the region, with the type of licence required depending on the business model and type of service offered to the public.

Among the studied countries, Argentina, Colombia and the USA have identified specific spectrum bands for IoT devices. However, in general, IoT devices and applications can operate in unlicensed bands or the spectrum bands allocated for short range devices (SRD) and for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) uses.

Only Colombia has allocated a specific range of numbering resources for IoT and machine-to-machine communications. In other countries, the numbers used for IoT devices are the same as those used for standard mobile services.

Cullen International’s new Americas Telecoms benchmark provides details on specific IoT regulation, licensing requirements, the regulation of permanent roaming, and on specific spectrum, numbering and IP resources assigned to IoT services.. 

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