Anatel denies Claro extension on 1.8 GHz spectrum to 2041

Brazilian telecom regulator Anatel rejected an appeal by Claro, a subsidiary of América Móvil, to extend its usage rights for 1.8 GHz spectrum blocks until 30 May 2041. With this ruling, the expiration date remains set for 22 December 2032. The agency's Board of Directors decided the matter unanimously on 3 September, and the official ruling was published in the Diário Oficial da União on 17 September.

The decision upholds terms established in April, when Anatel approved the renewal of several authorizations for the operator. At that time, frequencies in the 1.9 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands were extended to 2041, but the 1.8 GHz blocks were limited to 2032. Claro appealed to secure the longer term for the 1.8 GHz frequencies as well, but the regulator rejected the request.

The dispute covers frequencies from 1,755 to 1,765 MHz and 1,850 to 1,860 MHz across 16 Brazilian states. The 1.8 GHz band is part of Claro's mobile infrastructure. Originally used for 2G, it is now also used for 4G to expand data transmission capacity in combination with other bands. Claro argued that continuing operations serves the public interest and that it uses the spectrum efficiently without needing frequency reorganization.

Anatel technical staff and board determined that Claro's position does not alter plans to reorganize the entire 1.8 GHz band for a future auction after 2032. The regulator aims to reduce spectrum fragmentation and offer larger contiguous blocks. Anatel also noted that precedents from Brazil's Federal Court of Accounts cited by Claro applied to the 1.9 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands, which are subject to different rules.