Anatel approves TIM and Vivo RAN sharing expansion

Brazil telecom regulator Anatel approved an expansion of the RAN sharing and single grid network agreement between TIM and Vivo after more than a year and a half of review. The final terms were shaped by a vote from board member Edson Holanda, altering an earlier proposal by former board member Vicente Aquino on their 2020 partnership.

The approval allows 2G network sharing across 2,049 municipalities through December 31, 2030, provided that exclusivity clauses are removed. For 4G single grid networks, Anatel approved an expansion covering 265 new municipalities through May 4, 2030. However, companies cannot deactivate existing infrastructure where their market share exceeds 5%, though they may substitute eligible cities to prevent infrastructure decommissioning.

Anatel rejected a request to add 407 more municipalities because that segment lacked a competition review following antitrust agency Cade input. Meanwhile, the board removed a previously proposed ban on network sharing in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands, determining that any future sharing in those frequencies must be submitted under a separate request.

Under the ruling, TIM and Vivo cannot maintain network exclusivity with each other and must ensure third-party access under equal and non-discriminatory terms. The operators must publish covered cities and report expressions of interest and periodic updates to Anatel and Cade. The regulator also ordered a broad study on RAN sharing effects in Brazil.