5G regulation and law in Chile

As of early 2025, Chile has advanced in the deployment of 5G technology, establishing itself as a leader in 5G deployment in Latin America, with more than 5.2 million connections recorded by October 2024. Operators such as ENTEL, MOVISTAR, and WOM have rolled out services in the 700 MHz, AWS, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz bands, ensuring broad national coverage. Deployment efforts are aligned with the government’s mandate to achieve 90% population coverage by mid-2025, prioritizing isolated communities, hospitals, and essential infrastructure.

Standalone (SA) 5G networks, which provide ultra-low latency, enhanced reliability, and advanced connectivity, are in an early stage of deployment in Chile. Movistar, in collaboration with universities and government entities, has launched 5G Experience Labs, which aim to explore industrial use cases and test 5G SA's potential in precision applications. Similarly, Claro, in partnership with Nokia, has implemented a dedicated 5G SA network at the Lab Claro-Centro de Innovación UC 5G, focusing on industrial automation, remote healthcare, and smart mining solutions. These initiatives represent foundational steps toward establishing 5G SA as a transformative force in Chile's industrial landscape.

Chile’s regulatory framework, particularly Law N° 21.245 and Article 26 bis of the General Telecommunications Law, guarantees that a wide range of operators have access to frequencies under equal terms. Spectrum auctions are designed to prevent monopolization, distributing resources in smaller blocks to encourage diverse participation. Furthermore, automatic roaming is mandatory nationwide, allowing smaller operators to expand their service footprint without duplicating infrastructure. Operators are also required to provide wholesale access to their networks through cost-oriented, transparent, and non-discriminatory agreements, promoting competition and supporting virtual network operators (VNOs). The 5G Campus initiative, involving universities and technical centrers, further promotes the inclusion of industrial players by providing experimental spectrum for pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare and education.

Regarding accessibility to stadiums, airports, and other special premises, Chile's spectrum allocation processes impose specific obligations on operators to ensure coverage of critical infrastructure. The 700 MHz, AWS, and 3.5 GHz auctions awarded additional points to bidders committing to serve key public interest areas, such as 17 airports, 12 public institutions, and 23 maritime ports. For example, WOM pledged to provide comprehensive coverage in these areas as part of its concession terms.

These measures guarantee that key infrastructure, such as stadiums and airports, benefits from 5G connectivity. Deployment in these locations is expected to enhance the integration of 5G technology into various sectors, supporting applications in event management, transportation logistics,and emergency services.

Chile has conducted two major public tenders for spectrum allocation. The 2021 auction distributed licenses for the 700 MHz, AWS, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz bands, allowing operators such as WOM, MOVISTAR, and ENTEL to expand their services. In 2024, CLARO (Telmex) secured five 10 MHz blocks in the 3.5 GHz band, raising $90 million USD for the Chilean government. This auction included strict deployment obligations, requiring connectivity for 366 isolated communities, 199 hospitals, and 65 critical routes. These tenders reflect the country’s focus on balancing technological advancement with universal access to telecommunications.

Spectrum allocation in Chile is governed by Article 13 C of the General Telecommunications Law, which establishes a structured and transparent framework for assigning telecommunications concessions. Public tenders are conducted when technical norms limit the number of available concessions or licenses. The evaluation process prioritizes projects that comply with technical bases and demonstrate the capacity to ensure optimal transmission and service quality. When two or more applicants meet these criteria equally, the concession is awarded through an auction, favouring the highest bidder.

5G Spectrum licenses in Chile are granted under conditions that include 30-year validity, deployment obligations to achieve 90% national coverage within three years, and mandatory connectivity for underserved areas and critical infrastructure. Licensees must also comply with infrastructure sharing requirements, offering fair access to their networks. This includes nationwide automatic roaming in isolated areas and emergency situations, as well as the resale of network facilities to virtual network operators (VNOs) on non-discriminatory terms.

In Chile, the allocation of spectrum licenses for 5G services is conducted through public auctions, where the price is determined by the highest bid submitted by participating operators.

Overall, operators in Chile have largely met their 5G deployment obligations, ensuring effective implementation nationwide. However, an exception to general compliance involves WOM. Subtel identified delays in WOM's deployment timelines, resulting in a sanction process that includes the enforcement of financial penalties. Subtel has decided to proceed with collecting approximately $50 million  from WOM's performance bond due to these non-compliances. This underscores the importance of strict compliance with concession conditions to maintain the progress and reliability of 5G development in Chile.

Chile has demonstrated a proactive and forward-looking approach to spectrum management. Following the 2024 auction, in which Claro secured five 10 MHz blocks in the 3.5 GHz band for nearly $ 90 million, Subtel is focused on developing a comprehensive long-term plan to allocate additional frequency bands for 5G and emerging technologies. While no further details have been made public, this plan includes public consultations and alignment with international standards to foster a competitive telecommunications environment that promotes investment, innovation, and expanded connectivity across the country.

Chile’s 5G regulatory framework emphasizes equitable access to spectrum and network sharing. The General Telecommunications Law mandates that licensees provide facilities for virtual network operation and automatic roaming under transparent, cost-oriented, and non-discriminatory terms. These obligations are complemented by the technical conditions set forth in the auction bases, which take precedence, and regulations over the use of specific spectrum bands.

Network sharing in Chile is supported by Article 26 bis of the General Telecommunications Law, which governs national automatic roaming and facility offers. Regarding Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing agreements, Entel partnered with Ericsson to develop a shared RAN for its nationwide 5G rollout, enabling efficient deployment while maintaining independent core networks. National automatic roaming agreements are mandatory in underserved areas, allowing operators to access networks where they lack infrastructure. Additionally, operators are required to provide wholesale access to VNOs under transparent, non-discriminatory terms.

Competitor access to 5G networks is governed by Article 26 bis of the General Telecommunications Law, which mandates equal and non-discriminatory terms for network sharing. Operators must offer automatic roaming agreements in underserved areas, isolated localities, and during emergencies to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. The operators are required to provide wholesale access to their network infrastructure for VNOs on cost-oriented, transparent, and fair terms. These agreements facilitate the entry of smaller players into the market, promoting competition while maintaining high-quality service standards.

Chile does not have specific regulations limiting technology providers, guaranteeing equitable access for all suppliers. The country’s cybersecurity framework focuses on compliance with international standards to protect network integrity and user data.

There are no restrictions targeting providers such as Chinese companies, reflecting an open and inclusive approach to technology sourcing.

Chile has not yet launched official 6G projects. However, academic institutions and industry stakeholders have begun exploratory discussions and research to prepare for advancements in telecommunications.