The Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel), under the Ministry of Transportes y Telecomunicaciones, has opened a public consultation on enabling the 600 MHz band (614–698 MHz) for IMT/5G mobile services and other potential uses, including TV White Space and emergency communications. The band is currently used for digital terrestrial television (channels 38–51), and the consultation seeks input on possible migration strategies, efficient spectrum use, and the transition to new standards such as ATSC 3.0. Citizens, companies, and organizations can submit technical comments and observations via the virtual opinion portal. Feedback will be evaluated by Subtel to guide any regulatory or frequency plan changes. The consultation period is from March 10 to April 9, 2026.

This regulatory initiative to enable the 600 MHz band for IMT/5G communications in Chile involves significant but manageable changes primarily affecting telecommunications operators, TV broadcasters, and regulatory authorities. It aims to repurpose a valuable spectrum currently used for digital terrestrial television (TVD) toward expanding advanced mobile connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas. The process includes potential migration of TV channels, adoption of new transmission standards, and coexistence strategies such as TV White Space technology.

Key points:

• Public consultation open from March 10 to April 9, 2026, inviting comments from citizens, companies, and organizations.
• Possible migration of TVD channels (38–51) to lower UHF bands (21–36) or alternative bands.
• Adoption of 5G bands n71 and n105 in 600 MHz for mobile broadband services.
• Consideration of efficient spectrum use via multiplexing and transition to ATSC 3.0 for TVD.
• Interest in allocating part of the band for emergency and public safety communications.
• Potential regulatory and technical updates to the National Frequency Plan and standards.

Who?

• Mobile network operators planning 5G deployment in the 600 MHz band.
• Digital terrestrial television broadcasters and their infrastructure providers.
• Consumers of TV and mobile broadband services, particularly in rural or difficult-to-serve areas.
• Equipment manufacturers and testing laboratories for IMT and TV technologies.
• Regulatory bodies such as Subtel and Consejo Nacional de Televisión (CNTV).

Conclusion:

While the consultation itself does not impose immediate regulatory changes, its outcomes may lead to substantial reallocation of spectrum that will enhance mobile connectivity and public safety communications but require coordinated migration of TV services. Stakeholders should prepare for potential technical, operational, and investment implications related to network upgrades and viewer equipment compatibility. This initiative aligns Chile with global trends of optimizing spectrum usage for evolving telecommunications needs.