August 2026 Regulatory Newsletter: China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia & 7 More Countries
- Legacy networks wind down: Rwanda confirmed a nationwide 3G switch-off by June 30, 2027, while Nepal’s 5G roadmap phases out 3G in 2026 and stops imports of 3G-only devices.
- Spectrum plans shift: Brazil narrowed 6 GHz Wi-Fi to 5925 to 6425 MHz, South Africa published its National Radio Frequency Plan 2026, Malaysia opened certification for 3600 to 3650 MHz IMT equipment, and Montenegro extended MTEL’s 5G spectrum rights to 2043.
- Certification frameworks change: Saudi Arabia replaced SASO CITC GEN-002 with SASO 3114:2026, Argentina moved its RAMATEL homologation start to December 1, 2026, and China issued green product certification rules and a mandatory automated driving safety standard.
Country Updates
China: CNCA Introduces Green Product Certification Rules for Appliance Products
August 31, 2026
CNCA-CGP-18:2026 and CNCA-CGP-19:2026 bring kitchen and bathroom hardware and household gas appliances under China’s green product certification, covering items from faucets and showers to gas stoves and water heaters. Certificates are valid for five years, must be issued within 90 days of application acceptance, and are followed by surveillance inspections about every 12 months.
Continue Reading: China CNCA Introduces Green Product Certification Rules for Appliance Products
Argentina: ENACOM Postpones RAMATEL Telecom Homologation Rollout to Dec 1, 2026
August 31, 2026
ENACOM Resolution 843/2026 moves the start of the RAMATEL homologation framework from September 1 to December 1, 2026, citing unfinished implementation work. Manufacturers now have three more months to prepare for third-party certification agencies, product family registration and indefinite registration validity under Resolution 57/2026.
Continue Reading: Argentina ENACOM Postpones RAMATEL Telecom Homologation Rollout to Dec 1, 2026
Montenegro: Agency Extends MTEL's 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz Spectrum Rights to 2043
August 26, 2026
MTEL is the only operator to extend its 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz permits from 15 to 20 years under Montenegro’s 2024 Law on Electronic Communications, keeping them valid until February 9, 2043. The extension costs 1,248,400 euros, paid in five equal annual installments through 2030.
Continue Reading: Montenegro Agency Extends MTEL’s 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz Spectrum Rights to 2043
Rwanda: MINICT Confirms 3G Network Switch-Off by June 2027
August 25, 2026
MINICT and RURA have set June 30, 2027 for switching off 3G nationwide, with 2G targeted for December 2028 pending further assessment. Suppliers of phones and IoT equipment such as meters, trackers and security systems that depend on 2G or 3G should plan their move to 4G capable products.
Continue Reading: Rwanda MINICT Confirms 3G Network Switch-Off by June 2027
Nepal: NTA Publishes Mobile Broadband Enhancement Plan for 5G Rollout
August 22, 2026
The NTA’s Mobile Broadband Enhancement Plan phases out 3G in 2026, stops imports of 3G-only devices, and lists 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz and 26 GHz for auction. Nepal is keeping a technology-neutral approach, which gives operators flexibility in how they deploy 5G.
Continue Reading: Nepal NTA Publishes Mobile Broadband Enhancement Plan for 5G Rollout
Brazil: ANATEL Reduces 6 GHz Band Availability for Wi-Fi Devices
August 20, 2026
Act No. 10.400/2026 cuts the 6 GHz Wi-Fi allocation from 1200 MHz to 500 MHz (5925 to 6425 MHz), reserving the upper band for IMT and future mobile services. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices must comply by March 1, 2027.
Continue Reading: Brazil ANATEL Reduces 6 GHz Band Availability for Wi-Fi Devices
South Africa: ICASA Publishes Updated National Radio Frequency Plan 2026
August 12, 2026
Approved by the Minister on July 2, 2026, the NRFP 2026 aligns South Africa’s spectrum use with the 2024 ITU Radio Regulations, AfriSAP and the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan. It will frame spectrum access and licensing decisions for operators, broadcasters and public safety users until the next four-year review.
Continue Reading: South Africa ICASA Publishes Updated National Radio Frequency Plan 2026
Philippines: NTC Revises Operating Parameters for Short Range Devices
August 12, 2026
NTC Memorandum Circular No. 004-06-2026 updates the bands and power limits for movement detection and alert devices, covering ranges from 2400 MHz up to 77 to 81 GHz with limits between 25 mW and 100 mW EIRP. The changes take effect fifteen days after newspaper publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.
Continue Reading: Philippines NTC Revises Operating Parameters for Short Range Devices
China: Issues Mandatory Safety Standard for Automated Driving
August 10, 2026
GB 44721-2026 sets a mandatory national safety baseline for Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving systems in Class M and Class N vehicles, taking effect on July 1, 2027. The standard aligns with the UN Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems and does not cover automated parking systems.
Continue Reading: China Issues Mandatory Safety Standard for Automated Driving
Malaysia: Opens Certification for 3600-3650 MHz IMT Devices
August 9, 2026
MCMC SRSP MS 3600 sets the technical requirements equipment must meet before it can be certified for IMT use in 3600 to 3650 MHz, extending Malaysia’s IMT-2020 framework into this range. Suppliers of 5G equipment should check their products against the new plan before applying for certification through SIRIM.
Continue Reading: Malaysia Opens Certification for 3600-3650 MHz IMT Devices
Saudi Arabia: Replaces ICT Standard with SASO 3114:2026
August 7, 2026
SASO 3114:2026 replaces SASO CITC GEN-002 for mobile phones, tablets, routers, CPE, ONT and HAG devices, and Wi-Fi distribution equipment. The grace period ends October 31, 2026, the new requirements apply from November 1, and certificates issued under the old standard will be discontinued by March 31, 2027.
Continue Reading: Saudi Arabia Replaces ICT Standard with SASO 3114:2026
