Regulatory roundup: Osiptel suspension, spectrum awards, simplification, security and more

SUSPENSION

Peru’s prime minister, Gustavo Adrianzén, decided to suspend the head of telecommunications regulator Osiptel, Rafael Muente Schwarz, for alleged irregularities in the contracting of a training course.

The suspension is for 365 days, without pay.

The regulator responded that a report from the comptroller general had concluded that there were no factors that indicate a violation of the state procurement law in the process.

According to the watchdog, the officials involved in the contracting process acted with integrity, neutrality and transparency.

SPECTRUM AWARDS

El Salvador's telecommunications regulator Siget awarded Telefónica Móviles nine spectrum concessions in the 56GHz band for point-to-point links for fixed service. The awarded spectrum bands correspond to the Cerro Apaneca-Izalco, San Antonio Los Ranchos-Chalatenango and La Presa-Ciudad Arce link routes.

Meanwhile in Mexico, regulator IFT announced that it received an offer of 82.1mn pesos (US$4.2mn) for the concession of 10MHz of spectrum in the 2483.5-2495 MHz frequency band for the provision of complementary terrestrial service of mobile satellite service.

The concession is for a period of 10 years. The ruling will be issued within 20 business days from October 4.

VIRTUAL MOBILE OPERATOR

Argentine regulator Enacom has approved DirecTV 's registration as a virtual mobile operator.

The registration of an MVNO enables the offering of mobile telecommunications services on third-party networks. In Argentina, only the provider of the chamber of small and medium-sized companies Catel, Imowi, is operating in this model.

SIMPLIFICATION

Brazil's communications ministry published new regulations for the Funttel telecommunications development fund, with the aim of simplifying and improving processes.

The new regulation will allow data from the monthly declaration of the Fust fund, a tax collected by regulator Anatel which is based on the same calculation as Funttel levies, to be shared with the communications ministry, contributing to the automatic issuance of payment guides for the tax.

Funttel receives 0.5% of gross revenues from telecommunications companies, among others. This year, Funttel is expected to receive 255mn reais (US$46.6mn).

STATISTICS

Mexico’s IFT approved guidelines to establish the methodology, formats and catalog of information keys for operators to report statistics to the regulator.

The measure seeks to facilitate data collection and analysis and reduce the regulatory burden on operators. Improvements include reducing the number of indicators requested, standardizing key catalogues and simplifying the processes for reporting.

The guidelines will come into force on January 6, 2025, and will provide information for better design of public policies and regulations, IFT says.

SEAL OF APPROVAL

IFT approved changes to the guidelines for the approval of products, equipment or devices intended for telecommunications or broadcasting. Starting in July 2025, a seal will be included on approved products to facilitate recognition for the general public.

SECURITY

Colombia’s ICT ministry has extended the public consultation period regarding the information security and privacy model.

According to the ministry, the implementation of the model ensures that public entities are better prepared to face digital threats and manage their risks, while maintaining the continuity of public services.

The initiative, which seeks to strengthen digital security and promote a culture of information protection, will be available for comment until October 14. Participants can participate by emailing lbastidas@mintic.gov.co.

For more information and access to the consultation documents, use this link.