Brazilian regulation for IoT (Internet of Things) e M2M (machine to machine communication) will undergo a new assessment by Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency). From next Monday (8), the agency will open a grant process with the aim of identifying possible improvements in the rules that govern this segment.
The initiative seeks to gather contributions on the technologies involved to understand possible regulatory barriers, technical or commercial. Anatel intends to obtain a broader view of the connectivity market, IoT solutions and devices.
The assessment should also help the agency in analyzing growing conflicts between companies that are part of the sector chain. – especially given the increased judicialization of market-related issues. In this context, there is an understanding that further action by the agency (ex-post) may be necessary to ensure a more balanced competitive environment in the Internet of Things segment.
New regulatory challenges in the sector
After approval of the new General Competition Goals Plan (PGMC), em 2025, Anatel began to be called upon more frequently in disputes involving topics such as monthly charges for IoT devices, contractual exclusivity clauses and access to technologies used in M2M communication.
Subsidy making will be the responsibility of Anatel's Competition Superintendence and will remain open for 60 days after its publication. Non-PGMC 2025, the agency kept the national roaming market under regulation, for considering this input essential for the development of the IoT segment. Price control mechanisms were also preserved in wholesale offers.
On the other hand, Anatel promoted regulatory changes, including authorization for the adoption of exclusivity clauses in roaming contracts. Virtual mobile operators (MVNOs) were not included in the new PGMC, remaining without specific agency measures related to regulated wholesale offers carried out by large operators.
