The last three months have seen significant regulatory developments in Latin America (LATAM), affecting in particular: spectrum and satellite policies, regulatory sandboxes, measures against handset theft, and Telefonica’s exit from the telecoms sector.

Here are the 15 latest developments in LATAM telecoms regulation:

Infrastructure policies
1) Argentina approved the national communications critical infrastructure plan.
2) Brazil consulted on the schedule for spectrum awards in 2026–2036.
3) In Chile, Entel and Starlink, in collaboration with the telecoms regulator, agreed on direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity.
4) Colombia updated the spectrum management master plan, including the activities that will take place in 2025–2026.
5) Mexico launched the programme to strengthen its space infrastructure, national security and digital inclusion.
6) Peru issued complementary regulation for the direct grant of additional 5G spectrum, and proposed to modify spectrum fees for the satellite internet service.

Regulatory sandboxes
7) In Brazil, a regulatory sandbox allowed Claro to test D2D satellite connectivity.
8) Peru established temporary regulatory relief to benefit projects which either close infrastructure gaps or improve access to public telecoms services.

Measures against handset theft
9) Argentina required mobile network operators (MNOs) to validate the identity of mobile users from 17 March 2025.
10) Chile established stricter user identification measures on MNOs to prevent mobile phone theft, and prohibited mobile signal blockers (“jammers”) to protect telecoms networks and ensure public safety.
11) In Peru, operators must block devices that are not registered on the whitelist of mobile phones from 21 April 2025.

Mergers and acquisitions
12) Argentina suspended the acquisition of Telefonica Argentina by Telecom Argentina.
13) In Colombia, Millicom acquired Telefonica’s stake in Coltel, pending regulatory approval.
14) Mexico conditionally authorised the state-owned economic group CFE to acquire a non-controlling stake in Altán, which operates Mexico’s sole wholesale-only broadband network.
15) In Peru, Telefonica filed for the ordinary bankruptcy procedure.

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.

For more information and to access the full LATAM Telecoms Update, please click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our Americas Telecoms service.