Anatel says ready to change rules on non-transferable concession assets

Telefonica Brasil has lost an appeal over whether it can sell its former headquarters building in Sao Paolo. However, regulator Anatel said it will look at changing the rules over non-transferable assets held by concessionaires and the company can resubmit its request later. 

Telefonica was blocked from selling the Martiniano de Carvalho complex in Sao Paolo as it is considered part of the company's operating concession and hence must be returned to the state when the concession ends. At the same time, Anatel signaled that it wants to change the asset rules dating from 2012 and Telefonica could request the sale again later under new rules. 

A consultation on changing the rules on concessionaires assets will be held in the first half of 2018, Anatel said, and the regulator aims to have the new rules in place by year-end.