On February 26, 2024, the Argentine National Communications Agency (ENACOM) authorized OneWEB, Starlink, and Amazon Kuiper to provide satellite internet services in Argentina, expanding connectivity options beyond mobile and fiber.

Click this link to view the original ENACOM press release.

On September 8, 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Information (KOMINFO) conducted a public consultation on the amendments to the 2018 version of the Telecommunications Certification Regulations (NOMOR 16 TAHUN 2018). On February 23, 2024, KOMINFO published regulation NOMOR 3 TAHUN 2024, which replaces NOMOR 16 TAHUN 2018. The mandatory date of the regulation is 90 days after the date of issue, i.e. May 23, 2024. The main updates are as follows:

• The report is valid for 5 years;
• It is clarified that QR codes and warnings are part of the label, and although the 2018 version of the regulations has QR code and warning requirements, they are not part of the label. Examples of label text, QR codes and warnings are as follows:
  :
• In addition to the certificate number and company code required by the 2018 version of the regulations, the QR code also requires the product brand, product type and other data elements reflected in the certificate;
• It is clear that the series of products of the same product type and RF specifications produced by the same brand manufacturer, and the power is less than 10mW, can be certified via family approval.

Click on this link to view NOMOR 3 TAHUN 2024 Regulation Original.

This follows the announcement of the start of testing of the 6 GHz band Automatic Frequency Coordination System on August 24, 2023. A number of applicants conducted laboratory tests and live network trial tests in accordance with the requirements set by the Wi-Fi Alliance. On February 23, 2024, the FCC announced that the applications of Qualcomm, Federated Wireless, Sony, Comsearch, Wi-Fi Alliance, Wireless Broadband Alliance, and Broadcom have been approved for official use in spectrum management at 6 GHz. The commercial use of these systems will facilitate the use of 6GHz standard power devices and fixed terminal equipment.

Click this link to view the original FCC announcement.

On February 21, 2024, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will vote on the plan to create cybersecurity labels for wireless consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices at a public meeting of the FCC on March 14, 2024. The proposed plan will include a new U.S. "Cyber Trust Mark" certification and is expected to have the following key requirements:

• Marks/labels are used only if they meet the baseline network security standards;
• The label will be accompanied by a QR code that consumers can scan to get detailed information about the product's safety, such as guaranteeing the minimum support period for the product, whether there are software patches, and that security updates are automatic;
• The voluntary certification program will rely on public-private partnerships, with a third-party label management agency supervised and approved by the FCC managing activities such as evaluating product applications, authorizing the use of labels, and guiding/educating consumers;
• Compliance testing will be carried out by accredited laboratories.

Click link to view the original FCC announcement regarding the cybersecurity label vote.

On February 20, 2024, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) launched a public consultation on the Radio Standards Specification RSS-210 Issue 11 "License-exempt Radio Equipment: Class I Equipment". There are a number of important changes in this update:

• Chapter 6 has been significantly modified to clarify the general requirements and references;
• Chapter 7 has been added to clarify that the test method refers to ANSI C63.10
• Several appendices specify frequency band ranges, etc.

Click this link is for the original public consultation which is open until 3 May 2024.

On February 13, 2024, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reminded of two new technical specifications approved and published on October 31, 2023:

• Aeronautical Radio Communication Equipment Specification MCMC MTSFB TC T020:2023;
• Maritime radiocommunication equipment specification MCMC MTSFB TC T021:2023.

For the new technical regulations, the MCMC has granted a six-month transition period until May 1, 2024.

Existing Certificates: During the transition period, applicants can renew the CoC for a period of up to 1 year. However, as of May 1, 2024, updating existing CoCs will no longer be allowed. Instead, the existing approvals for the devices concerned should be updated and in compliance with the latest technical specifications by submitting a Parallel by Comparison (PBC) application.

New Applications: Applicants are encouraged to comply with new technical specifications during the transition period. As of May 1, 2024, full compliance is mandatory.

Click link to view the original MCMC announcement.

On January 8, 2024, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued certification rules for "Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band; and Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz". On February 6, 2024, the FCC issued additional amendments to the rule. The amendment to 15.407(d)(6) states that "all U-NII transmitters must use CBP except for standard power access points and fixed client devices operating in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band". The fixed client device was not previously included in the above description.

Click this link to view the FCC's Notice of Amendment.

On February 5, 2024, the Ministry of Communications and Media (MIC) of Vietnam published a draft circular on the National Technical Regulations on Electromagnetic Compatibility of Land Mobile Radio Equipment and Land Trunking Radio Equipment. The relevant EMC technical regulations specified are QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT, which replaces the original QCVN 100:2015/BTTTT. The notice is expected to take effect on November 15, 2024. From April 15, 2025 to June 30, 2025, QCVN 100:2015/BTTTT or QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT can be used, and from July 1, 2025, QCVN 100:2024/BTTTT will be mandatory.

Click this link to check the draft circular, and the public consultation is open until 5 April 2024.

On February 4, 2024, the Director General of Israel's Ministry of Communications (MoC) sent a directive letter to cellular companies requesting information on their readiness to implement eSIM services in Israel. As a mechanism that allows seamless switching between providers, eSIM helps to solve reception issues encountered during emergencies or military operations. This initiative is in line with the government's goal of improving public services and marks an important step forward in improving the accessibility of communications across the country. The MoC plans to take steps in the near future to force businesses to provide this service, urging businesses to address any potential barriers to implementation immediately.

Click on this link to view the original announcement of the Israeli Ministry of Communications.

On February 3, 2024, GCF released GCF-CC 3.92.0. The changes in the test bands are as follows:

• Deleted frequency bands: FDD25_RX4, CA_25A-25A, CA_46C-66A, CA_25A-25A_RX4;
• New frequency bands: 4G frequency bands CA_1A-18A+1A-18A, CA_1A-26A+1A-26A, CA_1A-28A+1A-28A, CA_19A-42C, CA_1A-42C, CA_3A-42C, CA_1A-3A-42A, CA_3A-41A-42A, CA_3A-41C, CA_19A-21A-42C, CA_1A-3A-19A-42A, CA_ 1A-19A-21A-42A, CA_1A-41A-42C, CA_1A-41C-42C, CA_41C-42C, CA_3A-41C_RX4, CA_3A-41A-42A_RX4; 5G bands DC_3A_n258I, DC_1A_n258I, CA_UL_n41C.

GCF-CC 3.92.0 will be effective from February 3, 2024, will be mandatory since May 15, 2024 (when GCF-CC 3.91.0 expires) and valid until August 12, 2024.