Anatel approves sale of Oi fixed-line telephony to Método

Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has authorized the transfer of control of Oi Serviços Telefônicos to Método Telecomunicações. The deal, finalized in July for R$ 60.1 million, involves the remaining fixed-line telephony assets of Oi, including voice lines, towers, and emergency services (190, 192, and 193).

To finalize the transaction, Anatel has imposed strict conditions. Método must provide financial guarantees to ensure service continuity through 2028, particularly in approximately 7,500 locations where Oi remains the sole provider. While the purchase price is R$ 60.1 million, technical estimates suggest the required financial guarantees could range between R$ 130 million and R$ 160 million to cover service obligations. Método intends to use a guarantee insurance instrument, subject to agency approval.

Anatel's oversight follows reports of service instability, noting unavailability in over 72% of individual access locations and 50% of collective access locations under Oi's current obligations. The agency has ordered the regularization of services in 121 locations and the repair of 3,006 public phones. Infrastructure investments previously estimated between R$ 5.8 billion and R$ 10.2 billion will not transfer to Método but will remain with Oi and entities controlled by BTG Pactual.