radio spectrum regulation

The auction will offer 2x30 MHz in the 700 MHz band and a block of 2x5 MHz in the 800 MHz band. Coverage and quality obligations similar to 3.4–3.8 GHz auction, requiring mobile operators to cover households, roads and railways. Interested mobile network operators may submit applications by 27 January 2025.

The Nicaraguan national parliament approved a new general telecommunications law. The new law has rules on national and foreign satellite systems, a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation, infrastructure sharing and a framework to promote competition. TELCOR will remain as the telecoms and spectrum regulatory authority. The law comes into force on 6 November 2025.

The office of the Comptroller General rejected the main claims in operators’ appeals against the rules of the multiband spectrum award. SUTEL, the telecoms and spectrum regulator, resumed the award with an updated schedule. Interested parties must now submit the required documentation for prequalification by 11 November 2024.

The Canadian public entity in charge of spectrum management, ISED, consulted on the use of certain IMT bands to expand mobile coverage via satellite technology to close mobile coverage gaps. The new framework would apply from 1 April 2025, following the publication of a final decision, but interim authorisations could be granted prior to this date on a case-by-case basis for trials and pilots.

Paraguay modified its national frequency allocation plan (NFAP) for the 3.5 GHz band, arranging the 400 MHz into eight channels, to make more efficient use of the spectrum and to prepare for 5G.

The USA regulator, FCC, proposed changes to the rules for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (3.5 GHz band). The US regulator is consulting on changes to the three-tiered access model currently used in the band, increased power levels, and whether to extend the use of the CBRS beyond the continental USA.