The last three months have seen significant regulatory developments in the Latin America (LATAM) telecoms sector, affecting in particular: spectrum policies, quality of service (QoS) regulations, and merger and acquisitions (M&A).

Chile finished reorganising the 3.5 GHz (3300–3650 MHz) spectrum band. Colombia consulted on allowing very low power (VLP) and standard power (SP) devices to operate in the 6 GHz band, while Mexico consulted on reclassifying the 64–71 GHz band as free spectrum. Peru foresees the direct assignment of 5G spectrum upon request, provided the total demand for spectrum is smaller than the spectrum available.

Colombia published the first report of mobile data QoS parameters based on a crowdsourced methodology, while Peru approved a new QoS regulation reducing QoS indicators from 27 to 13.

In Chile, Telefónica and América Móvil signed a non-binding agreement for the joint acquisition of WOM Chile and submitted a non-binding offer for the company. In Colombia, Millicom is in discussions with Telefónica for the potential acquisition of Coltel (Colombia Telecomunicaciones), with a view to merging Coltel and TigoUNE.

Other news from the region includes Brazil consulting to stop certifying new 2G/3G-only devices and Peru consulting on granting temporary regulatory relief (flexibility or exemption from regulation) in the telecoms sector.

Cullen International’s latest LATAM Telecoms Update highlights policy developments over the past three months affecting the regulation of radio spectrum, wholesale networks and consumer protection in six markets in the region: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

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