Regulatory Compliance News

Leadership Transitions and Technical Approval Process Updates at Bolivia’s Telecom Regulator ATT

Bolivia’s Autoridad de Regulación y Fiscalización de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes (ATT) designated Cristiam Marcelo Mamani Vides as its Technical Director. While high-level leadership transitions and administrative restructuring within regulatory bodies can occasionally introduce short-term processing backlogs, the ATT continues to advance operational updates to streamline market access procedures for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Under updated administrative frameworks, including Resolution RAR 539/2024, the ATT implemented significant structural improvements to its radio frequency type approval scheme, extending the validity period of new Type Approval Certificates (TAC) from 5 years to 10 years. Certificates granted prior to these updates remain valid through their original term, after which renewals are issued under the extended 10-year validity window. Additionally, the regulator refreshed its official list of telecommunications and IT equipment subject to mandatory homologation, clarifying device scope and streamlining criteria for items eligible for "No Homologation" customs exemption declarations.

The ATT maintains a flexible review framework that accepts foreign test reports aligned with European Union CE (RED) and U.S. FCC standards, eliminating the need for mandatory local sample testing or in-country laboratory trials. However, foreign manufacturers placing radio frequency and telecommunications equipment on the Bolivian market must maintain a registered local representative to manage administrative filings, liaise directly with regional ATT offices, and ensure ongoing compliance across product lifecycles.