The Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) has published a draft of the Pliego de Bases y Condiciones Generales (PBCG) for the allocation of radiofrequency spectrum aimed at deploying 5G services in Paraguay. The document outlines the regulatory, technical, and economic conditions for a future spectrum auction, particularly in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands.

The draft establishes participation requirements for operators, auction mechanisms, and post-award obligations, including network deployment targets, service quality standards, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. It also introduces provisions on infrastructure sharing, competition safeguards, and cybersecurity requirements for telecommunications networks.

As part of a public consultation process, stakeholders are invited to provide feedback before the final version is issued. The initiative aims to promote investment, ensure efficient spectrum use, and support the development of advanced telecommunications services, while maintaining regulatory oversight and security standards in the evolving digital ecosystem.

This CONATEL action represents a high-impact regulatory development, as it defines the foundational framework for the allocation of 5G spectrum in Paraguay and establishes the conditions that will govern market entry, competition, and network deployment for next-generation telecommunications services.

The impact is considered high because, although currently under public consultation, the draft sets binding rules that will shape the upcoming 5G auction, including spectrum caps, technical obligations, cybersecurity requirements, and rollout commitments. These elements will directly influence operator strategies, infrastructure investments, vendor selection, and long-term market structure.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Establishes the regulatory and economic framework for 5G spectrum allocation (2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands)
• Defines strict participation requirements (technical, financial, and operational) for operators
• Introduces coverage and deployment obligations, impacting investment planning and timelines
• Incorporates cybersecurity and equipment compliance requirements, affecting vendor ecosystems
• Includes competition safeguards (spectrum caps, anti-competitive measures, infrastructure sharing)
• Direct impact on telecom infrastructure development and national connectivity
• Influences market entry barriers and competitive dynamics
• Likely to affect device ecosystems and 5G adoption (FWA, IoT, mobile broadband)
• Sets precedent for future regulatory and spectrum management policies in Paraguay

Who?

• Mobile network operators (existing and new entrants)
• Telecom infrastructure vendors (RAN, core, antennas)
• Device manufacturers (5G smartphones, CPE, IoT)
• Internet service providers (ISPs)
• Importers and distributors of telecom equipment
• Investors in telecom and digital infrastructure
• Regulatory authorities and competition bodies
• Enterprises and industries relying on advanced connectivity

Conclusion

The CONATEL draft for 5G spectrum licensing is a pivotal regulatory initiative with far-reaching implications for Paraguay’s telecommunications sector. By defining how spectrum will be allocated and under what conditions, it directly shapes the future of digital infrastructure, competition, and innovation. While still subject to consultation, its scope and depth signal a transformative impact on the market, with significant consequences for operators, technology providers, and the broader digital economy.