Honduras WAS/RLAN Spectrum Expansion: CONATEL Opens Full 6 GHz Band

Honduras Expands WAS/RLAN Spectrum to 5925–7125 MHz: CONATEL Resolution NR003/26 Opens the Full 6 GHz Band

Effective September 2, 2026, Honduras has significantly widened the spectrum available to Wireless Access Systems and Radio Local Area Network (WAS/RLAN) devices. Under CONATEL Resolution NR003/26, the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones has extended the country's general-license frequency range for WAS/RLAN operation from 5925–6425 MHz to the full 5925–7125 MHz band, aligning Honduras with the broader regional and international push to open the complete 6 GHz band for unlicensed wireless access.

Regulatory Background

WAS/RLAN devices the technical designation that covers Wi-Fi access points, routers, and related short-range wireless equipment previously operated in Honduras under a general (license-exempt) authorization limited to the lower 500 MHz segment of the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz). This partial allocation mirrored an earlier stage of Honduras' spectrum policy, formalized through prior resolutions amending National Note HND40A of the Plan Nacional de Atribución de Frecuencias (PNAF), the country's National Frequency Allocation Plan.

Driven by growing demand for higher-capacity wireless connectivity and the global rollout of Wi-Fi 6E and next-generation Wi-Fi technologies, CONATEL opened a public consultation earlier in 2026 proposing to extend the WAS/RLAN general-license range across the entire 6 GHz band. That proposal has now been adopted.

Summary of Changes

CONATEL Resolution NR003/26, issued on August 26, 2026 and effective September 2, 2026 following its publication in the official gazette (La Gaceta), makes the following changes:

• Expands the WAS/RLAN general-license frequency range from 5925–6425 MHz to 5925–7125 MHz the full internationally recognized 6 GHz band.

• Amends National Note HND40A of the PNAF to reflect the new frequency range.

• Preserves existing technical operating conditions established under Resolution NR005/24 (Reglamento de los Sistemas WAS/RLAN y Dispositivos de Radiocomunicación de Corto Alcance), including transmit power, antenna gain, and related operational restrictions, which continue to apply across the expanded band.

• Introduces no separate transition period or equipment certificate replacement deadline specific to the WAS/RLAN expansion.

  
  

What the Honduras WAS/RLAN Spectrum Expansion Means for Manufacturers

For equipment manufacturers and importers, the Honduras WAS/RLAN spectrum expansion effectively unlocks commercial access to the upper 6 GHz segment (6425–7125 MHz) the range needed for full Wi-Fi 6E functionality and for devices designed with Wi-Fi 7 capability in mind. Practical implications include:

• Broader channel availability: Devices can now be certified and marketed for operation across the entire 6 GHz band rather than the previously restricted lower segment, supporting wider channels (up to 160 MHz) and reduced congestion in dense deployment environments.

• Continued license-exempt status: WAS/RLAN devices operating within the expanded range remain under the general license framework, meaning no individual spectrum license is required provided devices meet CONATEL's applicable technical requirements under Resolution NR005/24.

• No blanket re-certification mandate: Because the resolution does not impose a transition period or a certificate replacement deadline, previously homologated equipment operating in the original 5925–6425 MHz range is not automatically invalidated. However, manufacturers seeking to market equipment for the newly available 6425–7125 MHz segment will need to ensure their type approval documentation reflects the extended operating range.

• Alignment with regional trends: Honduras joins a growing list of jurisdictions across the Americas that have opened the full 6 GHz band to WAS/RLAN use, simplifying regulatory harmonization for manufacturers already certifying Wi-Fi 6E devices for other Latin American markets.

  
  

Certification Impact Summary

Impact Area	Before NR003/26	After NR003/26
WAS/RLAN general-license range	5925–6425 MHz	5925–7125 MHz
Wi-Fi 6E full-band support	Not authorized (lower segment only)	Authorized across full 6 GHz band
Licensing regime	General license (license-exempt)	General license (license-exempt), unchanged
Technical operating conditions	Per Resolution NR005/24	Unchanged same conditions apply to expanded range
Certification for new upper-band products	Not applicable	Required to reflect 6425–7125 MHz operation
Re-certification of existing lower-band equipment	N/A	Not mandated; no transition deadline established

Timeline & Required Actions

Date / Milestone	Action
August 26, 2026	CONATEL formally adopts Resolution NR003/26
September 2, 2026	Resolution enters into force upon publication in the official gazette
Immediate	Manufacturers may begin preparing type approval submissions for devices operating in the expanded 6425–7125 MHz range
Ongoing	Manufacturers with equipment already homologated for 5925–6425 MHz should confirm whether product lines require updated certification to claim full 6 GHz band support
No fixed deadline	CONATEL has not set a transition period or re-certification cutoff; manufacturers should still monitor CONATEL communications for any implementation guidance

Recommended manufacturer actions:

1. Review current Honduras type approval certificates to confirm the frequency range on file.

2. For products targeting the full 6 GHz band, prepare updated technical documentation and test reports covering 5925–7125 MHz operation under Resolution NR005/24 conditions.

3. Coordinate with a local CONATEL-recognized homologation partner to submit or amend certification filings.

4. Monitor CONATEL's official channels for any supplementary technical guidance tied to the expanded band.