Summary of SUBTEL Resolutions 1985 (2017) and 737 (2025)
Chile’s Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (SUBTEL) regulates the technical and administrative requirements for short-range and radiocommunication devices. Two key resolutions define this framework:
Resolution Exenta No. 1985 (2017):
The original SRD technical standard establishing allowed frequency bands, emission limits, and conformity requirements.
Resolution Exenta No. 737 (2025):
An amendment introducing a new digital model based on QR codes, local representation, and online public compliance pages.
Overview of Resolution 1985 (2017)
Purpose: Establish technical parameters for Short-Range Devices – SRD’s (equipos de corto alcance)
Key Provisions:
Defines SRD bands such as 169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz, 902–928 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz.
Specifies maximum power limits (e.g., 10 mW at 433 MHz, 500 mW at 915 MHz, 1 W at 2.4 GHz).
Introduces simplified procedures for low-power, non-interfering devices.
Requires labeling and traceability but relied on physical type-approval certificates issued by SUBTEL.
Effect: Resolution 1985 standardized SRD operation across Chile but relied heavily on manual certification.
Overview of Resolution 737 (2025)
Purpose: Update Resolution 1985 to implement a QR-based compliance model in line with international digital labeling trends.
Key Changes Introduced:
Physical certificate per model
QR code on packaging linking to online compliance page
Manufacturer listed only on certificate
Manufacturer + Chilean Representative (with valid RUT) listed online
Paper or PDF submission
Electronic record accessible via QR on consumer packaging
Optional website reference
Mandatory public Spanish-language page per model
Type approval renewal cycle
Continuous compliance through digital traceability
Core Technical Parameters (unchanged from 1985)
Resolution 737 does not alter SRD technical limits; the following bands remain valid:
- 433.05 – 434.79 MHz – Remote control, alarms – 10 mW – General SRD use
- 902 – 928 MHz – IoT, RFID – 500 mW – ISM band
- 2400 – 2483.5 MHz – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – 1 W – Global unlicensed band
- 5.150 – 5.850 GHz – Wi-Fi – 1 W – Indoor/outdoor restrictions apply
- 5.925 – 7.125 GHz – Wi-Fi 6E – 30 dBm (AP) / 24 dBm (client) – Newly authorized range
- 57 – 64 GHz – 60 GHz radar / wireless HD – 55 dBm – High bandwidth apps
- 76 – 81 GHz – Automotive radar – 55 dBm – For vehicle applications
New Administrative Obligations (Resolution 737)
Every device or package must display a QR code (≥ 1 cm², borderless, high contrast).
QR links to a Spanish page with device and representative details.
The representative must be legally established in Chile and registered with a valid RUT.
The QR-linked page must include the Declaration of Conformity and supporting test evidence.
SUBTEL may verify the page and QR content during market inspections.
Regulatory Impact
Simplifies device registration and reduces paperwork.
Increases market transparency for authorities and consumers.
Enables instant verification of authentic equipment.
Chile follows global digital labeling standards (EU, FCC, India).
SUBTELink’s Role
SUBTELink was built to operationalize these new obligations by providing:
- Instant QR code generation compliant with Resolution 737.
- Secure hosting of compliance pages and Declarations of Conformity in Spanish.
- Verified local representation through iCertifi SpA (RUT active, Viña del Mar).
- Integration with testing labs and importers for traceable record-keeping.
References
Resolución Exenta N° 1985 (2017) – Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional (BCN)
Resolución Exenta N° 737 (2025) – Amendment published May 2025, effective February 2026
SUBTEL Draft QR Specifications (2024)
Public consultation summary
Resumen en Español
La Resolución Exenta N° 737 (2025) modifica la Resolución N° 1.985 (2017) e introduce un modelo digital de cumplimiento basado en código QR, página web en español y representante local con RUT válido. Este modelo será obligatorio a partir del 22 de febrero de 2026 y busca aumentar la transparencia y la trazabilidad de los equipos de alcance reducido (SRD) en Chile.