On October 7th 2026, Chile’s Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel, in Spanish) revealed the key pillars of the forthcoming National Digital Plan 2026–2036, an initiative aimed at positioning Chile as a regional digital hub through stronger infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and the modernization of the sector’s regulatory framework. The plan includes measures to accelerate investment, advance the adoption of 5G, 5.5G, and 6G technologies, and prepare for the gradual shutdown of 3G networks. 

Why it is relevant for businesses 

The measures announced could directly affect the deployment of technological infrastructure, connectivity projects, data centers, mobile networks, and digital services. 

In addition, preparations for the 5G, 5.5G, and 6G ecosystem may create new investment and development opportunities for telecommunications operators, technology providers, and data-intensive businesses. 

What is the main development for the industry? 

One of the most significant measures announced by Subtel is the implementation of a regulatory fast track intended to accelerate investment and of digital infrastructure. 

The specific regulatory changes have not yet been published. Further details are expected to appear during the development of the National Digital Plan and any subsequent regulatory initiatives. 

What are the seven strategic pillars of the plan? 

• Digital highways of the future: seeks to prepare infrastructure and radio spectrum resources for the development of 5G, 5.5G, and future 6G technologies, strengthening higher-capacity networks and enabling new productive uses. 

• Investment and digital development: intends to create better conditions for accelerating investment and facilitating the deployment of digital infrastructure throughout the country. 

• Connectivity: focuses on developing networks with greater capacity, resilience, and territorial coverage, reducing connectivity gaps between different regions of the country. 

• Cybersecurity: attempts to strengthen the protection and resilience of telecommunications networks against increasingly complex digital threats and risks. 

• Universal accessibility: plans to expand access to connectivity and reduce barriers affecting people and territories facing greater digital divides. 

• Service quality: presents raising telecommunications service standards, with a focus on users’ actual experience and improved measurement of the services provided. 

• Innovation and talent: looks forward to foster the adoption of new technologies, promote applied research, and strengthen the development of specialized skills needed to address future digital challenges. 

The presentation of these strategic pillars marks the beginning of a series of working groups that will seek to consolidate the final version of the National Digital Plan 2026–2036 over the coming months. 

Who is participating? 

Although the Subtel has not yet announced the final composition of the working groups, the process has already begun with the participation of various stakeholders from the digital and telecommunications ecosystem, paving the way for discussions on the future of connectivity and potential regulatory changes that could be incorporated into Chile’s General Telecommunications Law. 

Among the participants are: 

• Telecommunications operators: Entel, Movistar, ClaroVTR, WOM, Mundo, and GTD. 

• Technology and digital industry associations: Chile Telcos, ACTI, Chiletec, and Fundación País Digital. 

• Chile Data Centers. 

• International and multilateral organizations: ITU, IDB, CAF, and ECLAC. 

• Digital Government Division and the National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCI). 

• ARCHI and ANATEL. 

How does it relate to the general telecommunications law? 

The National Digital Plan is expected to serve as a guide for future regulatory reforms and the implementation of public policies related to telecommunications. These may include measures directed at facilitating infrastructure implementation, optimizing the use of radio spectrum, and preparing the regulatory framework for next-generation technologies. 

Until the relevant regulatory texts are published, there are three key issues to keep an eye on: 

• The specific design of the regulatory fast track, particularly which permitting or approval processes will cover and whether it will be implemented through legislative or administrative changes. 

• Any initiatives seeking to amend the General Telecommunications Law (Law No. 18,168), which would likely be the mechanism for formalizing measures related to infrastructure implementation and spectrum management. 

• The final composition of the working groups, as these forums will shape the content of the plan. 

For telecommunications concessionaires, infrastructure providers, and data center operators, these developments could affect permitting timelines, spectrum access conditions, and the requirements associated with the phased shutdown of 3G networks. 

It is advisable to review ongoing investment projects in advance and consider participating in any public consultation processes that may be launched. 

Information updated as of October 2026.