Access Alert: Argentina simplifies the provision of satellite services. But will it last?

Access Alert: Argentina simplifies the provision of satellite services. But will it last?

On 21 December, Argentina’s new President issued a Decree (Decree of Necessity and Urgency number 70/23, titled Bases for the Reconstruction of the Argentine Economy) simplifying the conditions to provide satellite services by removing the need to hold an authorisation to provide satellite capacity, defining that the provision will be free and only subjected to a simple prior registration. The measure is part of the 366 articles of a special Decree that declares an economic emergency in the country based on the nation’s macroeconomic situation and sets out urgent measures to contain said emergency.

The measure itself is a positive regulatory simplification, moving to an “open skies” regime for the provision of satellite capacity, following international best practices on the subject. Removing regulatory burdens will result in more services, more competition, and, overall, a market with fewer entry barriers, all of which would mark a step towards social and economic wellbeing.

However, the legal instrument used to adopt the measure has been seen as rather controversial, as it uses an exceptional and transitory tool (the emergency presidential decrees) to define permanent regulations that could have been taken by the Legislative power of the Nation following the standard legislative process. Several stakeholders have announced they will challenge the constitutionality of the Decree before the Courts for this reason and other technical matters regarding the use of emergency legal instruments.

Nevertheless, the President has also presented a Bill (titled Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines) before Congress, including 664 proposed articles with several measures aimed at modernising, simplifying, and liberalising several services and sectors across the economy. One of the proposed actions is the ratification by the Congress of Decree 70/23, a move that could ensure skies remain open for satellite capacity in the country, surpassing the abovementioned controversy regarding the manner in which it was adopted, and aligning with international best practices.

To delve deeper into this topic or to stay informed about the latest developments regarding market access and connectivity issues in Argentina and around the world, please contact Sofia Tirini at sofia.tirini@accesspartnership.com or Juliana Ramirez at juliana.ramirez@accesspartnership.com, from Access Partnership’s Connectivity team.

Related Articles

Transforming Trade: The E-commerce Revolution in Vietnam

Transforming Trade: The E-commerce Revolution in Vietnam

The growing demand for products ordered via e-commerce globally, coupled with regional developments in ASEAN such as the Regional Comprehensive...

3 Jan 2025 Opinion
AI for All in Thailand: Building an AI-ready economy with Google

AI for All in Thailand: Building an AI-ready economy with Google

อ่านบทความนี้เป็นภาษาไทย A doctor in Bangkok analyzes medical images with AI, leading to a faster, more accurate diagnosis for her patient....

19 Dec 2024 AI Policy Lab
The Role of Earth Observation in Combating Desertification in Middle Eastern Countries

The Role of Earth Observation in Combating Desertification in Middle Eastern Countries

This month’s UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh marked a pivotal moment in combating global land degradation and drought, with outcomes including...

13 Dec 2024 Opinion
Access Alert: Enhancing Efficiency in India’s Logistics Through AI and Digital Integration

Access Alert: Enhancing Efficiency in India’s Logistics Through AI and Digital Integration

A recent panel discussion at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 on 20 November 2024 focused on the transformative role of...

29 Nov 2024 Opinion