News from Cullen International's COVID-19 Update no. 4 (28 May 2020)

The report now includes main consumer protection updates, rules on customer assistance billing and regulation on temporary spectrum assignments .

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has triggered quarantine and isolation policies around the world, increasing reliance on home-office and teleworking. As a result, the use of telecommunications networks is intensifying and, consequently, some governments are adopting policies to guarantee service provision for the population. Some governments have also taken steps to:

• remind the population of and to increase control over privacy issues; and
• tackle disinformation and prevent the circulation of fake news.

Government initiatives include traffic management reports, zero rated access to some content (in general health or educational information), flexibility on customer billing, suspension of deadlines to comply with obligations and suspension of number portability.

Both government and operators recommend that the population should make a rational use of networks and propose action to prevent network black out given the more intense use.

Many operators have taken specific action such as offering access to premium or other relevant content, zero-rated specific apps or content, increased or waived data caps, providing free calls, flexibility on payment and opening WiFi spots.

These initiatives seek to ensure that economic and educational activities remain as normal as possible while also trying to counter the negative effects that the outbreak brings to the population.

Cullen International just published a report covering telecommunications and ICT-related policies adopted in the Americas as a result of the current emergency situation, including initiatives taken by operators.

To access the full report, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas services.