Anatel converts fines into coverage obligations

Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes, Anatel) has announced that it has approved a plan to convert financial penalties imposed on domestic operators into 4G coverage expansion obligations. In doing so, the watchdog seeks to compel cellcos ‘to make investments in regions of low economic attractiveness and great social interest’. In addition, impacted providers must ensure ‘adequate maintenance and operation’ of the new facilities for a minimum period of three years.