Argentina's ENACOM Updates VHF/UHF Compliance with New Standard

Argentina's National Communications Entity (ENACOM) effectively enacted Resolution 1268/2024, approving the ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 technical standard on March 24, 2025. This regulation revises the certification and compliance scheme for VHF and UHF transmitter, receiver, and transceiver equipment for use in fixed and land mobile services. Published on December 24, 2024, the resolution presents primary testing procedures, technical requirements, and radio frequency compliance provisions for securing regulatory compliance, spectral efficiency, and best radio performance in Argentina's telecommunications industry. 

Primary Features of the ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 Standard 

This new standard sets minimum technical specifications that all VHF/UHF radio communication devices should fulfill before they are allowed into the Argentine market. It is for equipment operating between 30 MHz and 1000 MHz frequency range, including both analog and digital modulation technology. It also specifies standardized laboratory testing procedures, which ensure that equipment complies with strict radio frequency regulations. 

The standard is applicable to a wide range of wireless communication devices such as: 

• Handheld portable radios (walkie-talkies, emergency communication devices, two-way radios)
• Base station transceivers (fixed-position communication units for industrial and commercial use)
• Mobile radio units (mounted in cars for land mobile communication, fleet management)
• Trunked radio systems (VHF/UHF radio networks employed by public safety, industrial applications, and emergency services)

Additionally, the regulation ensures compatibility with selective calling systems, including CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch), which enhance radio security, frequency coordination, and interference control. 

Regulatory Impact and Industry Benefits 

The ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 standard is a strategic improvement that complies with international radio compliance standards, providing harmonized telecommunications regulation. By establishing stringent specifications for channel bandwidth, frequency tolerance, power output, adjacent channel interference, and emissions control, this regulation enhances radio spectrum management and reduces interference risks. 

Industry Key Benefits: 

• Simplified type approval procedure for manufacturers and importers 

• Electromagnetic interference minimized for better quality of communication 

• Harmonization of certification rules for analog and digital radio gear  

• Lab testing procedures standardized for conformity confirmation  

• Enhanced radio spectrum usage efficiency for maximal coverage and dependability 

Additionally, radio devices formerly registered as CNT-Q2-60.10 and CNT-Q2-60.11 are still compliant without the need for retesting or recertification. This alleviates administrative requirements and enables companies to continue marketing certified communication equipment that already exists. 

Implementation Timeline and Compliance Requirements 

With Resolution 1268/2024 now in force, manufacturers, telecommunication service providers, and certification bodies should ensure that all VHF/UHF radio devices comply with the new ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 requirements. Accredited testing labs under prior ENACOM radio standards automatically gain authorization for compliance testing under the new scheme. 

Major Compliance Steps 

✔ Technical documentation of equipment manufacturers should be revised to accommodate the new standard.  

✔ Testing laboratories need to adhere to the new radio frequency testing method described in the regulation.  

✔ Importers and distributors need to check RF compliance certification prior to marketing VHF/UHF radio equipment in Argentina.  

✔ Industry players should examine the official technical specifications for frequency deviation limits, power limitations, and emissions control. 

Conclusion: Enhancing Telecommunications Compliance in Argentina 

The ENACOM-Q2-60.21 V24.1 approval represents an important regulatory landmark, bringing Argentina's wireless communications radio equipment compliance into the 21st century. By defining well-defined technical parameters and streamlining RF certification, ENACOM is creating a more efficient, interference-free, and standardized radio communications environment. 

For companies serving the radio communications, wireless technologies, public safety, security, emergency services, and industrial business segments, anticipating these regulatory updates is crucial in terms of gaining market access as well as successfully achieving compliance certification.  

Need Guidance? Regulatory compliance can be tough to navigate, but Nemko can assist. Our experts work in radio equipment testing, certification, and accessing the global markets. 

Call Nemko now and get your VHF/UHF devices confirmed compliant with new ENACOM requirements and access the Argentine market hassle-free. 

Get in touch with us at our website or connect with our compliance specialists and test engineers for one-on-one support and test solutions.