Spectrum regulations in the Americas normally allow for the renewal of spectrum licences but subject to specific rules set out by the national regulator.

In 2023, several countries are granting licence extensions and renewals. Brazil renewed until 2038 the 1900–2100 MHz band licences of Algar, Claro, TIM, and Vivo. Paraguay renewed Nucleo’s licence in the 850 MHz band until 2028, whereas the Ecuadorean regulator decided to extend Claro’s spectrum licences in the 850 MHz, 1900 MHz and AWS bands for only six months while analysing a further renewal. Colombia is working on the renewal of several licences that will expire in 2023, including licences in the 1900 MHz, AWS and 2.6 GHz bands.

In most countries of the region, licence extension or renewal is generally subject to a fee. Argentina, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru set renewal fees on a case-by-case basis, while Brazil, and Colombia defined a specific calculation methodology. Chile, Costa Rica and the United States do not impose renewal fees on operators.

In Costa Rica and Ecuador, the state-owned mobile operators originally received spectrum licences for an indefinite duration. However, in Ecuador, the new Telecommunications Law of 2015 and the concession regulation of 2016 modified the expiration term to 20 years. In Argentina, the first mobile licences were granted for an indefinite term, but the new spectrum licences granted in 2014 and to be granted during 2023 have a 15 and 20 year term, respectively.

Cullen International’s latest research details the general spectrum licence renewal framework, the approach chosen in each country for licence renewal, the renewal fees, and examples of the latest renewals and extensions.

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