In November of 2019, Anatel’s (Brazilian Telecommunication Regulator) decision to take back the 450 MHz band from major operators is suspended by court after a request from the main companies in the sector. With the appeal to be evaluated by the agency’s Board of Trustees, the incumbents of the industry argue that the asset is not underutilized, while some regional providers already make plans if secondary use requests are met.
Three operators – Claro, Vivo and Oi, stated that they make relevant use of the 450MHz spectrum and already today serve the rural areas with their 450MHz based connectivity. They all underline that they made significant investments in the infrastructure and developing the device ecosystem.
Already before Anatel’s decision, the Utilities Telecom & Technology Council Latin America (UTCAL), a professional association of telecom specialists working in power, gas and water companies, issued their statement that the use made by operators holding 450 MHz in Brazil is not in line with other markets, where the utilities segment has growing need for telecommunication services to enable smart grids. “It turns out that nowhere in the world is 450 MHz being used for rural 4G,” UTCAL President Dymitr Wajsman told this news. “Around the world, and especially in Europe, it is being allocated to electric utilities. The Netherlands, Germany, and a number of other locations are having requests from utilities. In the US it is also being discussed and should be addressed. It’s becoming a worldwide wave.”