Egypt, Macau, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico
Author: Global Market Access Update
Egypt NTRA Update Radio Spectrum Guidelines
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt has announced significant advancements in spectrum management, including granting 5G licenses to mobile operators and allocating additional bandwidth for 6GHz RLAN for the first time in Egypt. 6GHz RLAN devices must operate in the 5925–6425 MHz frequency band, with a maximum EIRP of 250mW, using digital modulation techniques such as the ones set by IEEE 802.11ax standards. Usage is restricted to indoor environments only for the time being.
Update NTRA Radio Spectrum Guidelines for Short Range Devices can be found at this link.
EGY-NTRA-November-2024-SRD_English.pdf
Impact on Type Approval and Market Access Requirements? – Yes
Impact on Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? – No
Impact on Spectrum Management? – Yes
Impact on Technical Standards? - No
Update NTRA Radio Spectrum Guidelines for Short Range Devices can be found at this link.
EGY-NTRA-November-2024-SRD_English.pdf
Impact on Type Approval and Market Access Requirements? – Yes
Impact on Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? – No
Impact on Spectrum Management? – Yes
Impact on Technical Standards? - No
Macao CTT To Discontinue 3G
Macao Post and Telecommunications (CTT) announced on December 5, 2024 that the SAR government will discontinue 3G services after the 3G licenses for four mobile telecommunications service operators expire on June 4, 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, CTT is encouraging those who use 3G services to begin looking into 4G and 5G options as soon as possible.
Brazil ANATEL Issues Cybersecurity Audit Guidelines
The Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (ANATEL) in Brazil published Ato No. 16417 on November 26, 2024, which includes the Operating Procedure with guidelines for auditing suppliers of telecommunications products and equipment for telecommunications service providers on their cybersecurity policy. This Act is now in effect, and will be mandatory starting November 26, 2025.
Korea MSIT Requires USB-C Type Receptacle Container for Certain Mobile and Smart Devices
The Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea has published Technical Standards for Charging and Data Transmission Methods for Broadcasting and Communications Equipment such as Mobile and Smart Devices. This technical standard applies to the following devices, which must be equipped with a USB-C type receptacle connector:
- Cellular Phones
- Tablets
- Digital Cameras
- Headphones
- Headsets
- Portable Video Game Controllers
- Portable Speakers
- E-Book Readers
- Keyboards
- Mouse
- Portable Navigation Devices
- Earphones
- Laptops
This technical standard comes into effect on February 14, 2025. Laptops will be required to be equipped with a USB-C type connector starting April 1, 2026.
Mexico IFT Opens 64-71 GHz Band for Unlicensed Use
The Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL) of Mexico published a press release on December 16, 2024, announcing the classification of the 64-71 GHz frequency band as free spectrum, to be used without the need for concession or authorization by IFETEL. Devices, equipment or products that use the 64-71 GHz frequency band must be approved in accordance with the articles established in Title Thirteen of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law, as well as with other applicable regulatory and administrative provisions, and may not be used in satellites. These devices, equipment and radiocommunication systems must also comply with the technical operating conditions for the band that are outlined in Annex 1 of the Agreement published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), which will come into effect on December 18, 2024. Under current IFETEL rules, homologation for devices using these bands is required leveraging the Type B or Type C routes and requires “perito review.”