# U.S. telecommunications sanctions relief in Venezuela

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-telecommunications-sanctions-relief-in-venezuela
> Updated: 2026-08-21T19:36:04.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued two new general licenses, 61 and 62, to support the telecommunications sector in Venezuela. These measures aim to provide flexibility for rebuilding infrastructure and services through private investment and technical support.

General License 61 authorizes the supply of goods, technology, software, and services to support the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of telecommunications infrastructure. This includes internet connectivity, telephony, radio, television, and news agency transmissions via various mediums, such as satellites or undersea cables. The license also covers operational activities including logistics, insurance, cloud services, and payment processing.

General License 62 permits the negotiation and signing of contingent contracts for new investments, expansions, or joint ventures in the sector. These licenses allow transactions involving state-linked entities such as Cantv, Movilnet, and the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel). 

However, the execution of contracts under License 62 requires independent OFAC authorization. To mitigate risks, OFAC mandates that any contracts involving the Venezuelan government must be governed by U.S. law, with dispute resolutions held in the U.S., United Kingdom, France, or Singapore. Additionally, these licenses specifically exclude transactions involving entities linked to Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or China.

## Claims

- The U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC issued General Licenses 61 and 62 regarding Venezuela's telecommunications sector. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- General License 61 authorizes the supply of goods, technology, software, and services for the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of telecommunications in Venezuela. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- General License 62 allows for the negotiation and signing of contingent contracts for new investments in the telecommunications sector. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Telecommunications services covered include data, telephony, internet connectivity, radio, television, and news agency transmissions. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The licenses authorize transactions involving the Venezuelan government, including Conatel, Cantv, and Movilnet. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The execution of contingent contracts under License 62 requires independent authorization from OFAC. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Contracts with the Venezuelan government must be governed by the laws of a U.S. state or jurisdiction. (single source)
- Dispute resolution for these contracts must take place in the United States, United Kingdom, France, or Singapore. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: OFAC issues new telecommunications licenses for Venezuela

The U.S. OFAC issued General Licenses 61 and 62, authorizing specific telecommunications transactions and new investments in Venezuela, including operations with Conatel and Cantv.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ofac-issues-new-telecommunications-licenses-for-venezuela

### 2026-08-20: U.S. authorizes Venezuelan telecom operations as Argentina restricts foreign state control in rail bids

The U.S. authorized telecom transactions with Venezuelan state entities under specific restrictions, while Argentina barred foreign state-controlled companies from bidding on the Belgrano Cargas railway.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-authorizes-venezuelan-telecom-operations-as-argentina-restricts-foreign-state-control-in-rail-bid

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Cite as: U.S. telecommunications sanctions relief in Venezuela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-telecommunications-sanctions-relief-in-venezuela