radio spectrum regulation

Satellite technologies are playing a major role in providing broadband connectivity in rural, sub-urban and even urban areas around the globe. Governments consider this option as an effective means to breach the digital divide, especially in regions such as Central America and the Caribbean where there are vast remote areas with low or no connectivity.

Under the new proposal, licences in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands would be extended without an auction until 2030. A larger award procedure would then decide in 2028 on the long-term future of various spectrum bands.

The new draft includes reserve prices, coverage obligations and required guarantees. The final version will be published on 17 October 2023

Regulator Indotel presented main aspects of the upcoming spectrum auction. The auction will include spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands. The licence term would be 20 years for entrant operators and the same as in the concession contract for incumbent operators. Licences have national scope. Indotel will receive comments until 7 September 2023 and expects to start the procedure by 20 September 2023.

The Argentinian regulator, Enacom, published rules to auction 300 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, and assigned a block of 100 MHz to the state-owned satellite and fibre operator, Arsat. Licences would have national scope and a 20-year term. Argentinian mobile operators requested to review the auction rules claiming that the reserve price was too high.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) approved the plan to manage spectrum in the next five years. ISED decided on the prioritisation and policy considerations for its spectrum release plans, connectivity in rural areas, spectrum licence renewal fees, and spectrum for new technologies.