The last three months have seen significant regulatory developments in Latin America (LATAM), affecting in particular spectrum policies, retail price regulations, and universal service in the telecoms sector.

Argentina announced that it plans to award 3.5 GHz spectrum for 5G mobile communications, without disclosing the date of the award, while Brazil plans to consult on draft rules to award regional 700 MHz spectrum at a yet undecided date. Colombia proposed an update of its spectrum management master plan 2022-2026 including to monitor trends in spectrum management and use. Peru simplified how it would assess the efficient use of spectrum.

Brazil concluded its 2024 review of the retail tariffs of the operators holding fixed voice concessions. A new Chilean law amended the Consumer Protection Law, imposing new transparency and price information obligations on telecoms providers. Peru established the maximum retail tariff for service reconnection after a suspension or interruption of service, and started the review of Telefónica´s productivity factor that will apply from September 2025.

Argentina approved a new universal service programme to provide connectivity and equipment to government bodies in areas such as education, health and security. Brazil proposed to increase the quarterly fee that telecoms providers must pay to the ICT Fund (FUTIC) for the provision of telecoms networks and services.

Other news from the region includes Colombia consulting on the impact of OTT services on telecoms networks, while Mexico approved a constitutional reform to shut down the telecoms and media regulator, IFT.

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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