Brazil approves 5G spectrum auction rules

According to a Reuters report, Brazil’s telecoms regulator, Anatel, has approved rules for a spectrum auction for 5G networks this year, without restricting Huawei’s involvement as an equipment supplier. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro criticised the Chinese company last year and was under pressure from the then Trump Administration to exclude Huawei from the country’s 5G networks based on security concerns. 

Rules will require telecom companies to build stand-alone networks with the latest versions of 5G technology to be operating in Brasilia and other major cities by July 30, 2022, which will involve large investments. Anatel’s President Leonardo de Morais estimated the spectrum auction will generate 80 billion reais in investments over the next 20 years.