New regulator due in early 2013

Legislation to create a new regulatory office in Chile, the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones, will be reviewed by the finance committee of congress next month and is expected to be approved in early 2013, Diario Financio reports citing telecoms minister Jorge Atton. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Commission of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications. The new body will not replace the current sector watchdog Sub-Secretaria de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel) but exist alongside it. The new legislation will define clear distinction between the responsibilities of the new regulator and the consumer protection authority National Consumer Service (Sernac) and will include a new framework for sanctions and financial penalties. The Superintendencia will be responsible for all technical issues, whilst Sernac will continue to handle matters relating to consumer law.