Regulatory Compliance News

Paraguay Advances 5G Deployments and Expands Spectrum Access Under Updated PNAF Framework

The Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) of Paraguay executed major updates to its National Frequency Allocation Plan (PNAF) under Directory Resolution No. 1752/2024, restructuring the 3300–3700 MHz band into eight distinct 50 MHz TDD channels (Sub-bands A through H). By prioritizing primary mobile service allocations over legacy fixed services, CONATEL harmonized domestic spectrum parameters with Mercosur and ITU-R Region 2 standards, laying the crucial technical foundation for next-generation mobile broadband infrastructure. Building upon this structural baseline, CONATEL expanded 5G spectrum allocations further into the 3700–3800 MHz band and successfully completed national spectrum auctions, awarding 3.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz licenses to major regional operators including Claro, Personal, Tigo, and Nubicom.

The finalized frequency plan directly impacts type approval parameters for radio frequency hardware and terminal devices entering the Paraguayan market. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers must ensure that incoming 5G NR base stations, enterprise routers, and consumer mobile devices are fully tested and certified for operation across the 3300–3800 MHz frequency range. Devices must undergo mandatory type approval with CONATEL, demonstrating strict adherence to technical emission standards and co-existence guidelines to prevent inter-service interference as operators initiate commercial 5G network rollouts.