This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Management of 2.4 and 5 Ghz Bands in LAC Print E-mail
Written by Olga Cavalli   
Wednesday, 14 March 2007

A comparative report on management of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies in Latin America and the Caribbean is available for download from the WiLAC website. The report includes information related to the availability of the bands in each country, technical information such as maximum power and antenna gain allowed, and a compilation of official documents regarding spectrum management.

The frequency bands referred to are of particular importance for the development of wireless LANs and Wi-Fi access networks. Wi-Fi is also being used in rural areas, allowing internet access and VoIP without expensive infrastructure. In most countries, low-power use of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands has few regulatory barriers, although some regulators require registration and others insist on licenses or other spectrum authorizations.

The data was compiled by Hernan Galperin, Bruce Girard and Sylvia Cadena from publicly available documents and information from Latin America and Caribbean telecom regulators. Also available on the WiLAC website is a detailed compilation of official documents regarding spectrum management in the region is also available.

Downloadable as an Excel or Open Office spreadsheet, the data is mostly in Spanish. The official documents are available in their original language. 

WiLAC (Wireless Technologies for the Development in Latin America and Caribbean) promotes the circulation in the LAC region of information relevant to the the design, implementation, development and usage of those elements needed for the deployment of a wireless connectivity project.

WiLAC is an initiative of Fundación ESLARED, developed with support from the Instituto de Conectividad de las Americas (ICA).

Additional information on spectrum allocation and regulation:

The ICT regulation toolkit module

Spectrum Allocation in Latin America: An Economic Analysis