The Colombian Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) has issued External Circular No. 162 of 2025, introducing a new set of technical guidelines aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework for the approval of telecommunications terminal equipment.
Purpose of the Update
The primary objective of this circular is to ensure that devices such as mobile terminals, landline phones, and satellite equipment comply with:
- Compatibility requirements for operation within Colombia’s telecommunications networks.
- Safety standards related to permissible electromagnetic field exposure levels, in line with international recommendations.
Key Highlights of the New Regulation
This is the second revision of Colombia’s technical criteria for terminal equipment approval and is designed to keep national regulations aligned with global standards, including those set by 3GPP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Major Updates Include:
Adjustments to ensure that approved equipment operates seamlessly under the technical conditions of local networks.
Compatibility with newly allocated frequency bands, reflecting the rollout of 4G and 5G technologies.
Revised provisions for user safety, focusing on electromagnetic exposure limits.
Effective Date and Compliance
The circular officially takes effect on June 19, 2025. Compliance will be mandatory for all stakeholders across the terminal equipment supply chain, including:
- Manufacturers
- Importers
- Operators
- Distributors
Devices Covered
The updated regulations apply to the following categories:
- Terminal equipment
- Mobile terminals
- Landline devices
- Satellite equipment