radio spectrum regulation

The spectrum will be offered in regional blocks of 2x10 MHz, or blocks of 2x5 MHz if the 2x10 MHz blocks go unsold. Anatel expects the auction design to enable entrant operators that won licences in the 2021 auction to access spectrum below 1 GHz. Operators that already have a licence in the 700 MHz cannot bid in the first phases of the award.

The United States telecoms regulator, FCC, granted SpaceX conditional approval to use Starlink satellites to provide supplemental coverage from space (SCS) to T-Mobile customers. The FCC authorised the SCS framework in March 2024.

The migration of free-to-air satellite TV stations from the 3.5 GHz band ended in all cities of Brazil on 2 December 2024. The band is now available for mobile deployment nationwide, ahead of the final deadline set in the 2021 auction.

On 11 November 2024, the Chilean Congress passed a bill prohibiting the use of “jammers” or mobile signal blockers to protect telecommunications networks and ensure public security. State entities in charge of preserving public safety would be exempted from this prohibition.

The latest update of Cullen International’s benchmark shows the increasing complexity of coverage requirements to be fulfilled by European operators. Whereas old spectrum licences often simply required to cover a certain percentage of households, newer 5G auctions defined detailed requirements to cover underserved areas, roads, railway routes or other infrastructure.

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.