National Plan for Critical Communications Infrastructure
Telecommunication, Media and Technology Department Report | National Plan for Critical Communications Infrastructure
Today, Resolution No. 359/2025 was published in the Official Gazette, through which ENACOM approved the National Plan for Critical Communications Infrastructure (the “Plan”).
The Plan’s main objective is to accelerate access to information and communication technology (ICT) services, expanding connectivity across the country, with a particular focus on underserved areas. The Plan will be implemented using resources from the Universal Service Fund.
The objectives and key Guidelines of the Plan are the following:
-Mobile Access Networks in Uncovered Areas:
The Plan promotes the implementation of fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure to facilitate access to ICT services in areas with little or no coverage. It aims to encourage network deployment and expand access to ICT services in regions lacking fixed or mobile network coverage.
According to the Plan’s guidelines, both passive and active infrastructure built within these programs will be subject to mandatory shared use among SCM/STEFI service providers.
-Neutral Wholesale Network and Last-Mile Deployment:
The Plan includes the adoption of fiber optic infrastructure to optimize SCM traffic distribution and enable complementary agreements.
Additionally, it supports the expansion of the Federal Fiber Optic Network (“REFEFO”), enhancing its capacity and equipment. Last-mile networks will also be deployed to expand coverage and improve Internet access quality in areas of lower interest to private operators. Lastly, a neutral wholesale network will be implemented for use by existing mobile operators.
-Financing: Various financing mechanisms will be implemented to support small and medium-sized fixed ICT service providers in upgrading existing infrastructure and developing new infrastructure in uncovered areas. Subsidized loans will be made available to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), state-participated companies (EPEPs), and cooperatives providing ICT services.
Additionally, appropriate monitoring and control mechanisms will be adopted, along with performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of the various programs.
Regarding the resource allocation methodology, programs may be executed under a hybrid public-private model, where ENACOM and operators co-finance network deployment.
Finally, programs must include independent third-party certification of project progress and service implementation, selected through a bidding process, without prejudice of ENACOM’s own verification measures.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information.
We remain at your disposal for any additional information you may consider necessary.
Yours sincerely,
Emilio Beccar Varela
Florencia Rosati
Mariana Lamarca Vidal