Brazil’s telecommunications regulator has narrowed the frequency range available for Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band. Through Ato nº 10.400, approved on 12 August 2026, ANATEL amended Ato nº 14.448/2017 (the technical requirements for conformity assessment of restricted-radiation equipment), limiting Wi-Fi/RLAN operation in the 6 GHz band to the lower portion of the spectrum.
For manufacturers of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 products destined for Brazil, this is a change that will require action ahead of the compliance deadline.
What Is Changing
Previously, Wi-Fi equipment could operate across the full 6 GHz band, from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz — a total of 1200 MHz. Under the new rules, the available range is reduced to 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz, leaving 500 MHz for Wi-Fi.
As a result, the upper 6425–7125 MHz portion — some 700 MHz — will no longer be available for Wi-Fi/RLAN operation.
ANATEL has clarified that this restriction applies specifically to equipment classified as wireless broadband local-area network access systems (such as client devices, indoor access points, subordinate access points, and very-low-power devices), rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on all restricted-radiation use of the upper sub-band.
Why the Change
The move is part of ANATEL’s spectrum strategy to reserve the upper 6 GHz band for IMT/mobile services, including future 5G-Advanced and 6G networks, aligning Brazil with international spectrum discussions following the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23).
Notably, ANATEL has left the door open to revisiting the decision. The regulator indicated that future technical and regulatory developments could enable “harmonious coexistence” between Wi-Fi and mobile networks in the upper 6 GHz sub-band, and directed its technical area to propose an experimental regulatory environment (sandbox) to test that possibility.
Effective Date and Transition
Although Ato nº 10.400 has already been published, compliance with the new requirements becomes mandatory from 1 March 2027.
For products holding ANATEL certificates of technical conformity valid beyond that date, alignment with the new frequency range will be required during the applicable periodic maintenance of the certification. This creates a transition path for products already certified and approved to operate across the full 6 GHz band.
Impact on Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Products
Manufacturers of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices should pay particular attention to this change. Products intended for the Brazilian market will need to ensure their Brazilian regulatory configuration limits 6 GHz operation to 5925–6425 MHz, with operation in 6425–7125 MHz disabled for Brazil once the new requirements become mandatory.
In practice, this means reviewing product firmware and regional configuration settings, and planning any necessary changes well ahead of the March 2027 deadline to avoid disruption to certifications and market access.
To read the official documentation (Portuguese only), refer to ANATEL’s Ato nº 10.400, of 12 August 2026, available on ANATEL’s legislation portal.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV helps manufacturers and importers achieve global market access for radio and wireless products, including ANATEL certification and homologation for the Brazilian market. Our team can assess your Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 products against the updated 6 GHz requirements, carry out the necessary radio and EMC testing and RF exposure assessment, and prepare and manage the certification documentation needed to keep your products compliant and market-ready in Brazil ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Have questions? We’re here to help.