Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has warned the federal government that it could run short of funds for basic bills. The agency has R$30.76 million in unpaid invoices related to its data center in Brasília, which supports digital services for the public and telecom companies, as well as systems used for regulatory inspections.
Last week, Anatel president Carlos Baigorri asked the Ministry of Planning to release R$30 million. Earlier requests to bring forward funding were not granted by the National Treasury Secretariat, which is part of the Finance Ministry. Baigorri said projections indicate a risk that the agency will not have enough financial capacity to meet all its commitments, particularly in the final quarter of 2026.
The outstanding data center invoices are classified as “restos a pagar,” a category for expenses from a previous year that have not yet been paid. In December 2025, Anatel signed a R$44.95 million contract with technology suppliers. It covers equipment, management software, connectivity, implementation, migration, support, maintenance and warranties, and runs through December 2030.
Anatel attributes the pressure on its finances to a R$51.83 million government funding restriction imposed in May. The measure reduced its discretionary budget for operating costs and investment from R$275.37 million to R$223.54 million, a 19% cut. The agency says it has reviewed contracts, projects and spending to adapt, while trying to avoid penalties, interest and other contractual charges.
The agency has reported financial difficulties since August, when it requested an advance of R$23.3 million that had originally been expected in December. Anatel told Folha that measures taken so far have sought to limit the impact of the budget restriction, but that continued financial constraints could require further spending adjustments.
The Finance Ministry said restrictions on executive-branch budgets stem from government efforts to control spending, as set out in revenue and expenditure reviews and budget-programming decrees. It said the measures are reassessed every two months, with the next review scheduled for November 24. The National Treasury Secretariat considers the effect of advances on each agency’s ability to meet its future monthly payments, the ministry added.
Around 40 business organizations presented a manifesto on Tuesday (27) calling for financial autonomy for regulatory agencies, which would prevent their funds from being subject to such cuts. Titled “Regulation is not spending, it is investment,” the document urges lawmakers to ensure that the agencies have sufficient funding in the 2027 budget to operate without cuts.
Sources: Folha Mercado.