radio spectrum regulation

The Paraguayan regulator, Conatel, renewed the 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum licences of Tigo (Millicom) and Claro (América Móvil) until 2025, subject to investment obligations in network deployment and social need.

The consultation asked for comments on how to manage spectrum in the 5850–5925 MHz band in the future.

The Dominican Republic telecoms regulator, INDOTEL, published the spectrum framework plan for the management, assignment and use of spectrum for the next five years (2022–2026). The main objective of this plan is to define a roadmap for awarding spectrum to public and private users. The new 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum auction to be held in October 2021 is in line with this plan.

The Panamanian regulator, ASEP, postponed again the completion of phase 1 of the country’s analogue TV switch-off. No new deadline was announced.

ISED announced the results of the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction. The winning bids of 15 Canadian companies for 1,495 out of the 1,504 available licences totalled CAD 8.91bn (US$7.26bn). Half of the licences were awarded to small and regional providers across the country.

The FCC adopted 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.