5G ruling
Costa Rica’s Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by unions representing state-owned company ICE, which sought to challenge regulations banning the use of 5G equipment made by Chinese companies.
The ruling found that the regulations “do not create provisions that businesses cannot comply with, nor do they discriminate against any particular business,” adding that the measures do not violate the constitution or international treaties.
In a press release, President Rodrigo Chavez and Minister of Information and Communications Paula Bogantes expressed concern over the delay in the ruling, given that the Supreme Court had confirmed the legality of the regulations, but they were suspended after unions appealed.
Spectrum Allocation
Bolivia’s regulator ATT has approved a request and schedule for the allocation of spectrum in the 5 GHz band to provide internet services through fixed equipment to customers’ premises in rural areas.
Interested companies can request spectrum until September 13th.
The ATT has approved spectrum allocations in 79 regions, with each applicant being allocated up to five sub-bands per region.
This document is available in Spanish here.
Spectrum Details
Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communications has granted spectrum licences to seven companies as part of the process of allocating frequencies in the HF, VHF and low UHF bands.
Permission was granted to Auto Faca, security services cooperative Comseg Telecomunicaciones Seguras, Laos Seguridad, Radionet Soluciones, Seguridad Jano and Unión de Tecnología Electrónica.
Thirteen companies applied for the fourth round, which closed on June 21st.
More details available in Spanish here.
Digital divide
Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has begun consultations on a draft legislative decree aimed at promoting technological innovation and reducing disparities in access to infrastructure and communications services.
The draft can be found in Spanish here and the consultation will run for four weeks.
Emergency
Colombia’s spectrum agency ANE is seeking comments on a document on the conditions of spectrum use to support mission-critical activities, public safety, relief and disaster response.
ANE aims to identify the needs of a spectrum of emergency response agencies.
Comments can be submitted by August 28th using this form or by email to espectroemergencias@ane.gov.co.
Public consultation
The general assembly of Mexico’s telecommunications regulator, the IFT, has approved a public consultation process on three draft regulations on cooperation between mobile operators on security and justice, securing voice communications over public networks, and amending the guidelines on the marketing of services by virtual mobile operators.
The consultation will run until September 5th.
You can find out more about security and justice consultations here, more about secure voice communications here and more about VMNO services here.
Starlink
Cayman Islands regulator OrReg has banned the company from selling Starlink satellite equipment in retail stores because it is not licensed to provide service in the territory.
Local media said the move was aimed at protecting consumers.