On June 20, 2018, the Subsecretaria de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL) announced the decision to freeze the use of the 3.5 GHz band for 5G study and to determine the efficient use of the frequency. SUBTEL ruled that mobile businesses were not making efficient use of the 3.5 GHz band and based on the under utilization of the assigned spectrum, want to study it as an option for the deployment of the higher 5G network.
The Undersecretary of Telecommunications said that the decision adopted is based on “the spectrum is a national good for scarce public use and in SUBTEL we have the duty to make efficient and effective use, avoiding commercial opportunism and the hoarding of bands that today they are adjudicated to some operators and that they are not being used. Our duty is to ensure the correct use and efficient allocation of the radio electric spectrum, which is why we are studying this specific band for the future implementation of the 5G network, a key technology for Chile’s digital development. ” Read more on the announcement here.
The decision is also based on inspection reports that show the use of the band in an irregular manner by some mobile companies in Chile. SUBTEL declares they are trying to protect mobile users, technologically advance the country and set quality standards. All users of the frequency band will be required to meet the standards or face a penalty.
For more on SUBTEL and Chile regulatory news, please contact our iCertifi team.