radio spectrum regulation

Telefónica, Vodafone and Orange were the sole participants in the auction and won 2x10 MHz each, for a total €1.01bn.

The Costa Rican regulator, Superintendency of Telecommunications ,Sutel, announced the auction of spectrum below the 470 MHz band for narrowband radiocommunications services. Interested operators must present their offers to Sutel before 9 August 2021. The schedule to hold the auction is undefined.

President Biden signed an executive order including several initiatives to promote competition in telecommunications sector. The order encourages the reinstatement of net neutrality rules, and the promotion of 5G, open RAN and affordable broadband.

Indotel is consulting on new rules for the transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT), including technical rules, obligations of digital stations and the transition roadmap to implement the analogue switch-off and release 700 MHz band for mobile services.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (ISED) approved the flexible use by fixed and mobile services in the 3650–4000 MHz band and announced the auction of the 3650–3900 MHz band by the first quarter of 2023.“Flexible use” means that licensees will be able to choose the type of services they will deploy, such as mobile 5G or fixed wireless services.

The FCC allowed the flexible use for wireless services of the 3.45–3.55 GHz band, consulted on the auction procedure and started the certification process for applicants. The auction of ten blocks with 10 MHz each is expected for October 2021. Licences will be local with a 15-year term, renewable subject to strong performance targets. The FCC also established a 40 MHz cap per economic area to incentivise participation of multiple actors.