The draft bill proposes an increase in the rates for radio and television based on the number of frequencies held by the concessionaire, the type of coverage, the use to be given and the type of diffusion, national or rural. Currently a maximum of $5.60 is paid per year for one band and concessions arel automatically extended as long as tax payments are up to date.

Gisella Kopper, senior Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications (Micitt), told Nacion.com that "... The process is just beginning and the amounts paid today are very low amounts and that a subject for negotiation. That's one of the points that is generating discussion. It is well known that is has to be changed, but we dont have an amount yet; we have only just started talking."

Meanwhile, Andrés Quintana, honorary president of the National Chamber for Radio (Canara), added "... I think it is unnecessary to change the 1954 law and we are proposing to the Micitt a new technical regulation to regulate it. It is not the idea of a fee that worries Canara, rather we are concerned about a possible loss of the bands in use. Looking at this project there does not seem to be a way to resolve the technical side, it seems more like a reallocation of frequencies, and that is soemthing we are concerned about. "

Source: Nacion.com

More on this topic

Panama: Reallocation of FM Radio Concessions

February 2016

A proposal is under public consultation to reorganize the radio spectrum frequency modulation band from 88 MHz to 108 MHz.

From a statement issued by the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP)

The National Telecommunications of the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) is carrying out the public consultation No.002-2016, in order to receive feedback and comments on the "Proposal to allow exchange between concessionaires of the Main Open Radio Frequency operating in the Frequency Modulation Band (FM) ".

Costa Rica: Use of Radio and Television Frequencies Reorganized

August 2015

45 more days have been granted for operators of frequencies assigned temporarily under the previous legislation to formalize the award and move to other bands in order to allocate current telecommunications services.

The proposal to extend the term given by the Department of Science, Technology and Telecommunications (Micitt) aims to complete the transition of broadcasters who have not yet formalized concessions under the new legislation.

Panama: Reallocation of Concessions for FM Bandwidths

March 2015

The National Public Services Authority intends to rearrange assignments for the FM radio spectrum band between 88 MHz and 108 MHz.

From a statement issued by the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP):

An initiative to reorganize the radio spectrum Frequency Modulation (FM) band in Panama has been presented by the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) to representatives of operating companies that provide services for open radio on this modulation nationwide.

The Business of Radio Spectrums in Guatemala

November 2012

The extension for another 20 years, without any fees, of the concessions for radio frequencies, will deprive the Guatemalan State of millions in income, and removes market transparency.

While in other countries concessions for the use of radio frequencies provide state coffers with many millions of dollars, in Guatemala, Congress has passed legislation extending licenses that are currently in effect for another 20 years, without any costs to the concessionaries, who in addition at the end of the period of usufruct, may renew them again.