backOrganisations representing Brazil’s broadcasting sector have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Communications to allocate approximately BRL 1.3 billion from potential budget surpluses of the Spectrum Clearing Entity (Empresa Administradora da Faixa) to the acquisition of around 1.9 million reception kits compatible with the TV 3.0 standard. The funds are linked to obligations arising from the 3.5 GHz spectrum auction and are overseen by the Group for Monitoring the Implementation of Solutions to Interference Issues (Gaispi), under the leadership of the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). The initiative aims to support the initial rollout of the new digital television technology.
The proposal provides for the distribution of the kits to families enrolled in the Bolsa Família programme in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as early as the first half of 2026, with the goal of ensuring access to the new technological standard for low-income households. In a joint letter to the Ministry of Communications, broadcasters’ associations stressed that the measure is consistent with digital inclusion policies and with the public-interest purpose of the funds, preventing the modernisation of free-to-air television from creating new socioeconomic barriers. They also noted that the final allocation of the resources lies with the Ministry, as provided for under the applicable decree.
In addition to the distribution of reception kits, broadcasters committed to bringing forward investments to enable the provision of TV 3.0 signals in major cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. The discussions take place against the backdrop of the Spectrum Clearing Entity’s ongoing obligations under the auction notice, making Gaispi’s governance a key factor in determining the use of any remaining funds.
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