Brazil's Anatel delays 850 MHz spectrum auction to review pricing and rural coverage commitments

The board of Brazil's telecommunications regulator Anatel decided to postpone the public consultation on the upcoming 850 MHz spectrum auction, as well as on the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands. The delay allows the agency to incorporate recommendations from the Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) that call for asymmetric pricing models to lower entry barriers for regional operators and for coverage obligations that expand 5G service in underserved rural areas, supporting precision agriculture and autonomous equipment.

Anatel ordered its Superintendence of Planning and Regulation to respond within 15 days, reviewing the economic modeling and the proposed coverage commitments for the 850 MHz band, which is valued for its propagation characteristics. The agency aims to align the auction rules with the TCU’s Acórdão 276/2026 and with public‑policy goals for digital inclusion in low‑density regions before releasing a final edital for public consultation.