Anatel to launch study on use of 700MHz spectrum

Brazil’s telecoms regulator Anatel is looking to launch a study on the possible uses of the 700MHz spectrum in the country, despite the government’s earlier insistence that any decision on the matter will not take place until at least 2016. BNamericas cites unconfirmed media reports as saying that Anatel board member Jarbas Valente, who is also head of the watchdog’s spectrum committee, has suggested that studies be undertaken regarding the 700MHz band, based on two proposals in public hearings dating from 2007. The bandwidth in question is currently used by TV and radio broadcasters, but is seen by local cellcos as an ideal platform to boost their provisioning of 4G services. The state maintains however, that any plan to reallocate the 700MHz band can only take place after the digital TV switchover, which is slated for 2016.