Introduction to the General Regulation of Satellite Management and Services
Department of Telecoms, Media, Technology report | Introduction to the General Regulation of Satellite Management and Services
On April 8, 2025, the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers published in the Official Gazette Resolution No. 58/2025 (the “Resolution”, available only in Spanish here), whereby the General Regulation on Satellite Services and Management (the “Regulation”) was approved.
The introduction of the Regulation is accompanied by the repeal of Resolutions No. 2325/1997 and 3609/1999 of the former Secretariat of Communications, through which the Consolidated Text of Part II of the General Regulation on Satellite Services and Management — related to the “Provision of Global Satellite Communication Services through Non-Geostationary Satellite Constellations” — and Part I of the “Regulation on Satellite Services and Management” — related to the “Provision of Satellite Facilities by Geostationary Satellites in the Fixed Satellite Service and Satellite Broadcasting Service” — respectively- had been approved. According to the Resolution, the aim is to unify both pre-existing texts in order to simplify, optimize, and bring transparency to the administrative procedures associated with the provision of satellite facilities and the delivery of satellite services.
With respect to the regulatory scope of the Regulation, Title I establishes that it will govern the provision and delivery of satellite communication services in Argentina, for both geostationary and non-geostationary satellites, operating in the bands allocated to the Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”), the Mobile Satellite Service (“MSS”) and the Satellite Broadcasting Service (“SBS”), in accordance with the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union and the Argentine Frequency Allocation Table (“CABFRA”). It is also worth highlighting that the Regulation designates the National Communications Entity (“ENACOM”) as the enforcement and supervisory authority, and defines the powers granted to it accordingly.
In turn, the Regulation goes on to introduce five additional titles, each aimed at regulating specific aspects of satellite activity in the Argentine Republic. The main aspects of each are summarized below:
– Title II, entitled “Provision of Satellite Facilities,” defines the scope and uses of satellite facilities, as well as the conditions and requirements for satellite operators to register and provide such services in the national territory. This title is particularly notable for including provisions on occasional use, exclusive use for uplink without signal distribution, reciprocity with other administrations, and enhancements to the Argentine satellite system.
– Title III covers aspects related to the provision of services, such as the required licenses, authorizations, and registrations, as well as the documentation, interconnection, testing, and experimental use of satellite networks and systems.
– In terms of the infrastructure required for the service, Title IV regulates the technical and operational aspects of satellite networks and systems, earth stations, interference, safeguards for safe and reliable operation, and authorizations for the use of radio spectrum.
– Title V goes on to establish the applicable fees and charges. Specifically: (i) a registration fee is established for satellite systems; (ii) MSS and FSS providers are required to pay the Control, Supervision, and Verification Fee applicable to licensees, in accordance with current regulations; and (iii) the regulatory authority will set the applicable spectrum usage fees for the operation of earth stations.
– Finally, Title VI sets forth the regime of oversight, infractions, and sanctions, including both a list of punishable conduct and the application of the procedural framework established in Argentina’s Digital Law No. 27.078.
It is also worth noting that the Resolution states that its entry into force does not affect the validity of Resolutions No. 1384/1998 and No. 1387/1998 of the former Secretariat of Communications. These resolutions relate to the agreement signed between the Argentine Republic and the United States of America regarding the provision of satellite facilities and the transmission and reception of signals to and from satellites for the provision of satellite services to users in both countries, and to the fulfilment of the applicable requirements for geostationary satellites under the fixed satellite service and the satellite broadcasting service as notified by the United States administration, respectively.
The Resolution is scheduled to enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
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