Background on the Regulatory Body and Its Role
The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and managing telecommunications in a specific region. Its role includes ensuring fair competition, promoting investment, and protecting consumer interests in the telecommunications sector.
CRT’s Decision to Postpone Licensing
In a recent development, the CRT has decided to postpone the licensing process for seven AM radio stations, six FM radio stations, and four television stations slated for 2026. This decision stems from the regulator’s focus on conducting three licitations for telecommunications services aimed at businesses and end-users.
CRT Director General’s Statement
Marisol Nava León, the Director General of Spectrum Licensing at CRT, clarified that “This year, we do not plan to auction these services; this year, we only intend to hold telecommunications auctions.”
History of Recent Licensing Auctions
The last commercial radio auction took place in 2022, while the most recent commercial television auction occurred in 2016. The CRT’s current decision does not imply a halt to the allocation of broadcasting frequencies for public, social, indigenous, or community radio and television services.
The CRT still intends to directly assign up to 35 frequencies for these purposes, as part of its ongoing plans.
Regulation of Social Radio Transmissions
In addition to postponing commercial licensing, the CRT is working on establishing guidelines for social radio stations to transmit airtime content that supports their operations. This initiative aims to ensure that social radio stations can function without infringing on the rights of commercial radio operators who pay for frequency exploitation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CRT’s primary focus currently? The CRT is concentrating on conducting three licitations for telecommunications services targeting businesses and end-users.
- When was the last commercial radio auction? The most recent commercial radio auction took place in 2022.
- When was the last commercial television auction? The previous commercial television auction occurred in 2016.
- Will the CRT still allocate broadcasting frequencies for public, social, indigenous, or community radio and television? Yes, the CRT plans to directly assign up to 35 frequencies for these purposes.
- What guidelines is the CRT developing regarding social radio transmissions? The CRT is working on establishing guidelines that will enable social radio stations to transmit airtime content while respecting the rights of commercial radio operators.
