Colombia Adds 5G Band 38 to Terminal Equipment Standards
On June 11, 2025, Colombia’s Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (CRC) released Circular 162 of 2025, introducing an important update to enable 5G Band 38 device certifications. This Regulatory Updates notice formally replaces Circular 155 of 2024 and revises the technical standards required for the homologation of mobile, fixed, and satellite terminal equipment, aligning with recent national spectrum allocations.
ETSI TS 138 521 Now Covers Band 38
The CRC now includes ETSI TS 138 521 as a valid standard to certify 5G New Radio (NR) devices operating in Band 38 (2570–2620 MHz). This addition reflects growing international adoption of the 2500 MHz range for 5G, seen in countries like Japan, China, Brazil, and the United States. These countries value Band 38 for its balance between capacity and coverage.
Manufacturers targeting the Colombian market can now seek type approval for smartphones, routers, modems, and other connected devices using this frequency band.
Manufacturers Must Align with Revised Standards for
Starting January 13, 2025, all type approval submissions must:
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Reference Circular 162/2025, not the voided Circular 155/2024
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Apply ETSI TS 138 521 when certifying support for 5G Band 38
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Update documentation, test reports, and declarations of conformity accordingly
The CRC left all other requirements unchanged, including those for electromagnetic exposure and compatibility with other frequency bands. The existing standards—like IEEE C95.1 or ICNIRP under ITU-T K.52—remain in effect.
Update Follows Colombia’s Spectrum Policy
The CRC’s action aligns with spectrum assigned in Colombia’s 2023 IMT auction led by MinTIC. The updated rules support operation within the 2500–2690 MHz range, which Colombia has designated for mobile telecommunications under its National Frequency Allocation Plan.
This change gives manufacturers the regulatory clarity needed to market 5G Band 38-compatible equipment in Colombia.
Stay Compliant with Our Services
Since this change relates to Product Certification & Conformity Assessment, our Product Certification Service can help ensure that your test documentation, approval strategy, and compliance filings are correctly aligned with the latest CRC requirements.
Impact Assessment
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Technical Standards? ✅ Yes
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Type Approval & Market Access? ✅ Yes
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Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
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Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes
