On February 17, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) published in the Official Gazette of the União (DOU) the public consultation 9/2020 to gather information before launching tenders for the 5G network in Brazil. From now on, interested parties can send suggestions, criticisms and any other contributions on the topic until April 2, 2020 and, during this period, there will be a public hearing in Brasilia/DF in a date yet to be defined.

This proposal for the bidding of 5G radio frequency bands was being awaited with interest by many businessmen and representatives of the telecommunications sector.

For the president of Anatel, Leonardo Euler de Morais, the announcement proposes investment commitments and not just collections, which will allow more infrastructure, with a higher level of services and, consequently, more benefits for consumers and the national economy.

This will be the largest frequency auction in Anatel's history. The consultation aims to implement 5G networks in Brazil in addition to tendering the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands for the 5G and GHz network and brings, as a novelty, the inclusion of another 100 MHz in the 3.5 band GHz. The approval of regulations on the conditions of use of the frequencies from 24.25 GHz to 27.50 GHz is also sought, along with a preliminary frequency pricing study for 5G.

With the addition of more bandwidth at 3.5 GHz, the main band for the development of 5G, it will be possible to satisfy the demands that have been presented, especially those of Small Suppliers (PPP), who may be part of the development of this new technology.

There is also a proposal to modify the General Authorization Plan for Personal Mobile Service (PGA-SMP), as well as a list of municipalities eligible for commitments in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands.

Regarding the possible interference caused by 5G in the reception of open satellite TV (TVRO), the approved proposal adopts a model similar to that used for the 700 MHz band, with the creation of a group coordinated by ANATEL and a third entity. independently to reach a solution. The proposal is in line with the public policy defined by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications (MCTIC) through Ordinance 418/2020.

The commitments associated with all bands were proposed with the objective of increasing fixed broadband infrastructure and access to mobile services in areas of lower commercial interest, as described in the Structural Plan for Telecommunications Networks (PERT ).

The contributions received will be analyzed by Anatel, before continuing before the Court of Accounts of the Union (TCU), where the tender notice must be considered within 150 days. The auction is expected to take place later this year.

It is estimated that the 5G auction in the country is one of the largest in the world, moving R$20 billion in collections and investments.

The full text of Public Consultation No. 9/2020 is available at Interactive Public Consultation Support System (SACP). To access the system, simply register with the CPF.

Source: Investment Partnership Program