Ecuador’s Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCOTEL) has prepared a major proposal to modernize the country’s technical rules for unlicensed spectrum. The Ecuador 6 GHz proposal would amend Annex 1 of Resolution ARCOTEL-2018-0661, which establishes operating conditions for equipment using free spectrum and spectrum for determined use in free bands.
Importantly, the regulatory text remains a proposal. ARCOTEL’s technical report dated October 16, 2026 recommends proceeding with the applicable public consultation process before developing the final version and submitting it for approval.
The initiative addresses two major areas: broadband Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs) in the 6 GHz band and Wireless Power Transmission, known in Spanish as Transmisión Inalámbrica de Potencia (TIP).
Ecuador 6 GHz Proposal Expands RLAN Spectrum
One of the most significant elements is ARCOTEL’s proposal to make the entire 5925–7125 MHz range available for unlicensed RLAN use under defined operating conditions.
ARCOTEL’s technical analysis supports using the full 1200 MHz of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed applications. The report notes that this additional spectrum can support up to seven 160 MHz channels for Wi-Fi 6E or three 320 MHz channels for Wi-Fi 7. It also highlights that Wi-Fi 7 can reach a theoretical maximum speed of 46 Gbps through technologies including 320 MHz channel bandwidth and 4096-QAM.
However, different conditions would apply depending on the type of RLAN device.
For devices operating across 5925–6425 MHz in indoor or outdoor environments, the proposal establishes a maximum EIRP of 14 dBm and a maximum EIRP spectral density of -5 dBm/MHz. Fixed outdoor infrastructure would not be permitted, and devices would need Transmit Power Control (TPC) and contention-based communication protocols.
Meanwhile, RLAN equipment using the complete 5925–7125 MHz range would be restricted to indoor environments.
Indoor Access Point Requirements
For indoor RLAN operation across 5925–7125 MHz, the proposed limits include:
- Maximum EIRP of 30 dBm for access points
- Maximum EIRP of 24 dBm for terminal devices
- Maximum EIRP spectral density of 5 dBm/MHz for access points
- Maximum EIRP spectral density of -1 dBm/MHz for terminals
- Maximum out-of-band EIRP spectral density of -27 dBm/MHz
Additionally, indoor access points could not use weatherproof IP-rated enclosures, battery power, or external antennas. They would need to operate with integrated antennas and fixed power, such as an electrical connection or Ethernet/PoE.
The proposal also restricts operation on oil platforms, unmanned aircraft, automobiles, trains, vessels, and aircraft, subject to a specific exception for commercial and passenger aircraft flying above 3,000 meters and complying with applicable aviation conditions.
New Wireless Power Transmission Parameters
Additionally, ARCOTEL proposes incorporating technical conditions for Wireless Power Transmission through radiofrequency beams.
The draft would add TIP applications for wireless charging of mobile or portable devices and wireless power supply or charging of sensor networks in the following frequency ranges:
- 915–921 MHz
- 2.410–2.4835 GHz
- 5.725–5.875 GHz
- 61–61.5 GHz
For these ranges, the proposal establishes a 1 W output power and 4 W EIRP, without specified modulation.
ARCOTEL’s technical analysis explains that the TIP proposal considers CITEL Recommendation CCP.II/REC. 73 (XLVII-26), which addresses frequency ranges and technical characteristics for radiofrequency-beam wireless power transmission.
What This Could Mean for Equipment Compliance
The proposal is particularly relevant to manufacturers and distributors of Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, RLAN, and wireless power transmission equipment intended for the Ecuadorian market.
Equipment operating under the proposed conditions would need to respect the applicable frequency ranges, EIRP limits, spectral-density requirements, indoor-use restrictions, and equipment configuration requirements.
For Internet-access terminal equipment, the draft also expressly states that the applicable provisions of Ecuador’s Regulation for Homologation and Certification of Telecommunications Terminal Equipment must be followed for equipment classes subject to homologation.
Nevertheless, ARCOTEL’s supporting analysis states that the proposed update would not create additional regulatory procedures or compliance costs for citizens or regulated parties. Instead, its purpose is to characterize applications and equipment that are not currently addressed adequately by the existing technical framework.
Companies monitoring wireless regulatory requirements in Ecuador should therefore follow the public consultation and subsequent final text before treating these technical conditions as effective requirements.
For support tracking spectrum developments and wireless regulatory changes across global markets, explore Entirety’s Regulatory Intelligence Service.
Regulatory Impact Assessment
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Technical Standards?
Yes -
Type Approval & Market Access?
Yes -
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance?
Yes -
Spectrum Management?
Yes
