Implementation of the new fixed telephony Local Areas begins in January
On 15 August 2025, through Decision No. 202/2025, ANATEL approved the schedule for the phased implementation of the new rules governing the formation of Local Areas for the Switched Fixed Telephone Service (“STFC”), established by Resolution No. 768/2024.
As of 1 January 2026, the STFC Local Areas have been aligned with the geographic boundaries of the Numbering Areas (DDD codes), significantly reducing the number of local areas in the country, from 4,118 to 67. In practice, calls between municipalities within the same DDD code will no longer be considered long‑distance calls and will instead be charged as local calls.
In addition, the provisions of Resolution No. 777/2025 concerning the use of ITU E.164 public numbering by the Multimedia Communication Service (“SCM”) – including rules on interconnection, network remuneration, partial suspension of service, definition of local area, and the prohibition of use by economic groups affiliated with the Local STFC – will only enter into force on March 1st, 2027.
Click here to access the full text of Decision No. 202/2025.
In December 2025, ANATEL initiated an administrative proceeding regarding the proposal to create a Consensuality Committee named the Center for Mediation and Consensual Solutions within ANATEL (“CEMESC”).
Following an internal consultation, on 22 January 2026, the Office of the Federal Attorney General assigned to ANATEL (“PFE‑ANATEL”) issued a legal opinion approving the draft Resolution that will be submitted to public consultation for the creation of CEMESC, subject to the inclusion in the records of the ANATEL documents that motivated the proposed Resolution.
The matter has been assigned to the reporting Commissioner Alexandre Freire. Final approval of the resolution that will be submitted to public consultation still depend on deliberation by ANATEL’s Board of Directors.
Click here to access the full text of the PFE‑ANATEL opinion.
This content is part of the Telecommunications Bulletin for February 2026, bringing together the main regulatory and sector highlights of the period. This material is for informational purposes only. Our Telecommunications team is available to provide specialized legal advice.
