Key data
| Regulation | Order TDF/732/2026, of July 10, approving the National Frequency Attribution Chart |
|---|---|
| Publication | July 17, 2026 |
| Entry into force | July 18, 2026 |
| Replaces | National Frequency Attribution Chart of 2021 |
| Spectrum range regulated | From 8.3 kHz to 275 GHz |
| Affected parties | Telecommunications operators, broadcasting, satellites and public administrations with spectrum use |
| Category | Regulatory Changes |
| Year | 2026 |
If your company operates radioelectric frequencies in Spain, the map has changed. The Order TDF/732/2026 approves the new National Frequency Attribution Chart (CNAF), which enters into force on July 18, 2026 and completely replaces the 2021 CNAF. The review is not minor: it incorporates the agreements reached at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference and updates the technical conditions derived from technological advances in recent years.
The deadline to act is immediate. The regulation is already published in the BOE of July 17, 2026 and entered into force the following day.
What does this regulation establish?
The CNAF is the master document that determines which service can use each band of the radioelectric spectrum in Spain. It functions as a frequency cadastre: without attribution in the chart, no legal use is possible.
The new 2026 CNAF introduces the following key elements:
- Incorporation of WRC-23 decisions: The 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference approved new attributions and conditions of use that have been applicable since January 2025. The CNAF now transfers them to Spanish law.
- Technical update: Technological advances made since the 2021 CNAF are included, which may imply new operating conditions for already deployed technologies.
- Reserves for public services: The chart establishes specific band reserves for services of public interest, with usage limitations for private operators in those bands.
- Operator hoarding limits: Restrictions are set to prevent a single operator from concentrating excessive spectrum, promoting market competition.
- Technology neutrality: The CNAF promotes that attributed bands can be used by different technologies, without forcing operators to a specific technical solution.
- Temporary or experimental uses: The use of frequencies outside the chart is allowed under express authorization from the competent Secretary of State, for pilot or experimental projects.
| Aspect | CNAF 2021 | CNAF 2026 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| International basis | 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference | 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (effective since January 2025) |
| Spectrum range | Up to 275 GHz | From 8.3 kHz to 275 GHz (confirmed and updated) |
| Experimental uses | Previous regime | Express authorization from Secretary of State |
| Technology neutrality | Partial | Explicitly promoted |
| Hoarding limits | Previous regime | Updated limits per operator |
Economic and operational impact
The most immediate impact is operational and compliance-related. Any operator that has spectrum use authorizations must verify that the bands it operates are still attributed to the service it provides under the new conditions of CNAF 2026. If there is incompatibility, the authorization may be in an irregular situation.
The main impact vectors are:
- Review of current authorizations: Internal cost of technical and legal audit to verify band-by-band compatibility.
- Possible modifications of concessions: If any band changes conditions, the operator may need to request a formal modification of its authorization from the Secretary of State.
- Planning of new networks: Operators planning deployments (advanced 5G, LEO satellites, private networks) must base their projects on the new CNAF, not the 2021 one.
- Experimental projects: Companies wishing to test technologies in non-attributed bands must now process an express authorization with the Secretary of State.
Who does it affect?
- Mobile and fixed telecommunications operators with spectrum concessions (700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,600 MHz, 3,500 MHz, 26 GHz and other bands).
- Broadcasting operators (terrestrial television and radio) with attributed frequencies.
- Satellite operators with spectrum segments assigned for space communications.
- Public administrations managing their own communications networks (emergency, defense, transport).
- Companies with private radiocommunication networks (industry, logistics, utilities).
- Manufacturers and suppliers of radiocommunication equipment that must certify technical compatibility with the new conditions.
Practical example
A mobile telecommunications operator that has authorizations in several spectrum bands—for example, in the 3,500 MHz band for 5G services—must review whether the technical conditions of use of that band have changed in the new CNAF 2026 compared to 2021. If WRC-23 introduced new coexistence conditions with other services in that band (something common at international conferences), the operator must verify that its network complies with those new technical conditions.
Similarly, if that same operator plans to launch a pilot communications project in a band not currently attributed to its service, as of July 18, 2026, it must request express authorization from the competent Secretary of State, following the new procedure enabled by CNAF 2026 for temporary or experimental uses.
What should companies do now?
- Audit current spectrum authorizations: Identify all authorized bands and services and compare them with the new attributions of CNAF 2026. High priority if operating in bands that WRC-23 modified.
- Detect incompatibilities: If any current authorization does not fit with the new attributions or technical conditions, start the regularization process before the situation becomes a regulatory problem.
- Update network planning: Any deployment or expansion project must be based on CNAF 2026 from July 18. Plans developed on the 2021 CNAF must be reviewed.
- Process experimental authorizations if applicable: If there are pilot projects in non-attributed bands, start the process for express authorization with the Secretary of State.
- Review hoarding limits: Operators with broad spectrum portfolios must verify that they do not exceed the new per-operator limits established in CNAF 2026.
- Consult the full text of CNAF 2026: The complete chart, with all band-by-band attributions, is available in the official publication in the BOE.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new CNAF 2026 enter into force?
The new National Frequency Attribution Chart approved by Order TDF/732/2026 entered into force on July 18, 2026, one day after its publication in the BOE (July 17, 2026). Obligations to comply with the new attributions are enforceable from that date.
What regulation does the new CNAF 2026 replace?
Order TDF/732/2026 replaces the National Frequency Attribution Chart of 2021. The previous CNAF is repealed and without effect from July 18, 2026. Any reference to attributions of the 2021 CNAF should be understood as updated by the new chart.
What spectrum range does the new CNAF cover?
CNAF 2026 regulates the use of radioelectric spectrum from 8.3 kHz to 275 GHz, covering all civil and public use bands in Spain, from the lowest frequencies (long waves) to high-capacity millimeter bands.
How can an operator use frequencies outside the chart?
CNAF 2026 allows temporary or experimental uses outside the chart's attributions, but requires express authorization from the competent Secretary of State. Without that authorization, any use outside the chart is irregular. This mechanism is designed for pilot projects and technology tests.
What are the spectrum hoarding limits of the new CNAF?
CNAF 2026 establishes restrictions to prevent any operator from concentrating an excessive amount of radioelectric spectrum. These limits are set per operator and aim to ensure market competition. Operators with broad spectrum portfolios must verify that they do not exceed the thresholds established in the new chart.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-15661