Regulatory roundup: Cybersecurity, spectrum, digital TV and more

CYBERSECURITY

Brazilian telecom regulator Anatel added submarine cable companies, mobile service providers and network operators to the list of those subject to cybersecurity obligations.

In addition, it said all telecommunications companies, regardless of size, must mitigate vulnerabilities in the equipment provided to consumers of telecom services.

The objective, according to a statement from internet association Abranet, is to safeguard the infrastructure critical to the country's connectivity.

Providers will have one year to adapt to the new regulation. Among the additional companies covered by the regulations are Globenet, Angola Cables, Cirion, China Unicom, Cablo Brasil Europa, Seabras, Algar Telecom, Sercomtel, Brisanet, Unifique and Ligga. The operators that already had to comply with the cybersecurity regulations include Telefónica, América Móvil, Telecom Italia and Oi.

SPECTRUM

Mexican regulator IFT has modified the guidelines for granting authorization for the use of radio spectrum frequency bands for secondary use.

The measure seeks to extend the validity of authorizations for facilities intended for industrial or commercial activities, to offer the possibility of extending authorizations and to enable secondary use authorizations to be granted for services other than those provided for in the frequency allocation table, among others.

More information is available at this link.

The IFT also approved the creation of a registry of earth stations that operate in the 3.7GHz to 4.2GHz band with the aim of coordinating and protecting systems.

Last week, the IFT also approved the program for the use of frequency bands for 2025.

REGULATORY BURDEN

Peruvian regulator Osiptel launched an early consultation to receive input and comments on the operation of over-the-top (OTT) content services, whether video or multimedia.

Osiptel’s move is a response to repeated requests from pay-TV companies that claim unfair competition since streaming services face less regulatory burden.

In August, a legislative decree was issued implementing the payment of general sales tax on various digital services, including OTT video services. The measure will apply from November 30.

Interested parties can review the supporting document using this link and send contributions until October 16 via the email gestion-dprc@osiptel.gob.pe.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Colombia's spectrum agency ANE is putting out for public consultation a document on the frequency bands identified for international mobile telecommunications.

The aim is to understand the perception, interests and priorities of the ICT sector in planning the frequency offer.

Responses to the questionnaire will be received by email at consultabandasimt@ane.gov.co until October 17. The study document can be seen here.

MOU

The Colombian ICT ministry and the American Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in areas related to the digital economy, connectivity, artificial intelligence regulation and digital education.

The MOU addresses priority issues such as developing digital skills in rural areas, improving connectivity in remote areas and strengthening the capacities of vulnerable populations.

DIGITAL TV

The first phase of digital terrestrial television in the Dominican Republic will begin on November 21, regulator Indotel confirmed.

Shutting down analogue TV will free up spectrum for other services.

The first phase will cover Greater Santo Domingo, the national district, the eastern region and the province of San Cristóbal. The regulator is distributing 940,000 signal converter boxes for vulnerable households.

ELECTRONIC PROCEDURES

Guatemalan telecommunications regulator SIT decided to implement the electronic procedures system to comply with the law on simplification of administrative requirements and procedures.

The e-services portal will be used in a development environment in the AWS cloud.