The head of Uruguay’s Regulatory Unit of Communications Services (URSEC), Mercedes Aramendia, has said the country is preparing a spectrum and connectivity policy which will have a focus on 5G, reports BNamericas. The policy is expected to be ready in the first quarter of next year and aims to boost the availability of high speed connectivity services throughout Uruguay. The regulator will also authorise mobile operators to carry out 5G pilots using temporarily assigned spectrum in the 26GHz band, Aramendia revealed during the Latin American Spectrum Management Conference. In addition to the 26GHz band, it is also considering the 3.5GHz-3.6GHz range for 5G services.
‘We understand it is key to work on the expansion of connectivity, which is the reason why we believe it is essential to coordinate the awarding of spectrum, harmonise its management and seek an efficient use of the asset,’ Aramendia was quoted as saying.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that state-owned operator Antel teamed up with Nokia to launch what it claimed to be Latin America’s first commercial 5G network in April 2019, although coverage is limited and services are aimed at corporate customers. The network utilises spectrum in the 28GHz band.
Source: https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2020/11/16/uruguay-prepares-spectrum-and-connectivity-policy/