Approval of 5G Specifications and Frequency Allocation to Arsat.
TMT Department Report | Approval of 5G Specifications and Frequency Allocation to Arsat
Dear Sir or Madam,
On August 29th, 2023, Resolutions No. 1285/2023 and 1289/2023 issued by the National Communications Entity (“ENACOM”) were published in the Official Gazette.
Resolution No. 1285/2023
(a) authorizes the call for an auction for the allocation of frequency bands intended to provide Reliable and Intelligent Telecommunications Services (STeFI by its acronym in Spanish).
(b) approves in an Annex the terms and conditions for the allocation of frequency bands intended for the provision of SteFI.
(c) establishes the maximum spectrum accumulation limit for SteFI at 200 MHz per licensee for each operating area. This considers the spectrum assigned to the company, its controlled or controlling entities, either directly or indirectly, those subject to common control, or holding an ownership stake greater than 30% of the shares of another company, provided with such ownership stake they assume a position of substantial influence in the adoption of corporate decisions of the latter.
(d) provides that offers may be submitted until September 29, 2023.
(e) sets forth that in the case of vacant lots, Enacom may directly assign them to Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales S.A. (“ARSAT”).
(f) provides that when the technology used to provide STeFI is adopted by more than 50% of the end-users of the service, the awarded companies will undertake the commitment to offer a service plan aimed at low-income sectors.
Click here to read the full text of Resolution No.1285/2023 and its Annex.
Resolution No.1289/2023
(a) allocates the frequency band between 3,600 and 3,700 MHz to the Fixed Service and the Terrestrial Mobile Service, both with primary status.
(b) establishes the use of the frequency band between 3,600 and 3,700 MHz, in time-division duplex (TDD) mode, for the provision of Reliable and Intelligent Telecommunications Service (“SteFI” by its acronym in Spanish).
(c) assigns to Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales S.A. (“ARSAT”), for a period of 20 years, the frequency band between 3,600 and 3,700 MHz for the provision of STeFI throughout the national territory, with the exception of the locations covered by Directive DI-2023-16857746-APN-DNAYRT#ENACOM, in which the frequency band between 3,600 and 3,675 MHz is assigned to ARSAT.
(d) orders the registration of the STeFI under the name of ARSAT in the ICT Services Registry approved in Annex I of the Resolution of the former Ministry of Modernization No. 697 dated December 28, 2017, and its amendments.
(e) provides that ARSAT will use the frequency band between 3,600 and 3,700 MHz to implement a strategic plan for nationwide connectivity of the National State.
Click here to read the full text of Resolution No.1289/2023.
Please, do not hesitate to contact us should you require any additional information on this matter.
Sincerely,
Emilio Beccar Varela
Florencia Rosati