Changes in Network Usage Rates: What Anatel defines for 2025 and 2026

Anatel has defined the regulatory priorities for the coming years. Among the 31 regulatory initiatives listed in the Regulatory Agenda 2025-2026, one draws direct attention to the pockets of providers and carriers. This is the reevaluation of network usage rates.

This initiative, identified as number 17 on the agenda, directly impacts the cost structure of those offering fixed voice, mobile and dedicated data services. For ISP and carrier managers, understanding this movement is essential to plan expansions and review interconnection contracts.

What is being reevaluated

Anatel's focus is twofold. The agency will reevaluate the Regulation on Separation and Allocation of Accounts, approved by Resolution No. 396 of 2005. In addition, the Agency will review the Standard for setting maximum tariff values.

This standard, created by Resolution No. 639 of 2014, defines the caps for STFC fixed network usage values, the reference values for SMP mobile network usage and the prices for Industrial Exploration of Dedicated Line, or EILD.

In practice, this means the amount that large carriers charge small providers to terminate a call or deliver traffic may change. These values are based on cost models that the Agency considers fair and efficient.

The impact on STFC

For internet providers that operate STFC, the impact is immediate. Fixed network usage rates are the cost of completing calls to other carriers. If Anatel reduces the ceiling for these rates, large groups will have to charge less to small providers.

This opens room for contract renegotiation. Providers paying above market values may find a legal basis to demand discounts. On the other hand, if the cost model appreciates inflation and investments, the ceiling may rise. In this scenario, the cost per minute increases and pressure on the provider's margin grows.

EILD and the cost of bandwidth

The Industrial Exploration of Dedicated Line is vital for ISPs. It is through EILD that many providers buy backhaul and connect their towers or regional POPs. The reevaluation of these reference values touches the base of the bandwidth cost.

If the new cost model results in lower maximum tariffs, this may force a reduction in prices practiced by large carriers in the wholesale market. This is positive for those who want to expand the network to smaller cities, where the cost of the link is the main obstacle.

However, the provider needs to be attentive. Changes in the calculation may alter the quality required for the service or the form of pricing by speed versus capacity.

SMP and convergence

Even for providers focused on fixed broadband, the SMP scenario matters. Many ISPs offer convergent packages or sell virtual mobile services. The mobile network usage reference affects the cost of terminating calls from mobile to fixed and vice versa.

The harmonization of these rates tends to reduce the barrier to entry for new services. Keep your radar on to see how Anatel will treat the asymmetry between fixed and mobile in this new review.

Perspectives and deadlines

The forecast of the Regulatory Agenda is ambitious. The execution table indicates that the final approval of this initiative is scheduled for the first half of 2025. This suggests that the new rules should come into force still this year.

Having a defined horizon helps in management. Knowing that the rules will change allows the provider to avoid long term contracts with insurmountable locks. If you are renewing EILD or interconnection contracts now, consider review clauses linked to the new regulation.

What the provider needs to do

The recommendation is pragmatic. Do not wait for the resolution to be published to act. The first step is to audit your traffic and transport contracts. Check if the amounts paid are close to the current ceilings or if discounts already exist.

The second step is to simulate scenarios. How would your EBITDA look if the cost of EILD fell by 10%? And if it rose? Having these numbers ready speeds up decision making.

Finally, participate. The agenda predicts public consultations before final approval. Although the focus of this article is initiative 17, the 2025-2026 calendar brings other important discussions, such as the simplification of network remuneration regulation, which includes SCM.

Conclusion

The telecommunications market lives a price adjustment cycle. Anatel signals that it wants to update cost models to reflect the current technological reality. For the provider, this is both a risk and an opportunity.

Paying attention to the Regulatory Agenda is not a task only for the legal department. It is a strategic function of network management. Follow the quarterly agenda execution reports and position your operation to take advantage of changes in network usage rates.