Anatel approves regulations to encourage new MVNOs

Brazil’s telecoms regulator Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes (Anatel) has approved regulations designed to help the setting up of new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) schemes in the country. Under the new rules companies such as banks and retailers will be allowed to set up MVNO operations. It is understood that the likes of Pao de Acucar, Casas Bahia, Carrefour and Pernambucanas already have an interest in this market, while other banking groups could participate in a move that could drive down costs for users. Anatel’s new rules stipulate that any firm interested in offering MVNO services must be headquartered in Brazil, and most of its shares (or shares with voting rights) must be owned by Brazilian nationals or domestic corporations. The regulator’s goal is to increase competition in the sector and its scope.